Kludi – the fittings manufacturer now owned by RAK Ceramics – has announced the appointment of a new joint managing director.
From November 1, Harald Hotop will be leading the company, leaving his post as MD of bathroom manufacturer Megabad after four years. He will join co-MDs Can Yildirim and Frank Holtmann-Wibberich.
Hotop has an extensive history in the KBB sector, having previously worked for Ideal Standard before moving on to his managerial role at Megabad.
RAK Ceramics acquired Kludi last year in a deal worth €39 million (£32.7m), and says that the development and planned expansion of the Kludi brand are in line with its growth strategy in the European markets. Going forward, Hotop will be responsible for strengthening Kludi’s presence within the KBB market, as well as concentrating on the brand’s core product offering.
He said: “I am very much looking forward to the exciting and responsible task of successfully advancing the initiated transformation of the company and the Kludi brand together with all employees.
“If we all work together, I see very great potential for Kludi to become one of the most important and innovative players in the bathroom industry in Europe in the medium term with the support of our shareholders.”
Abdallah Massaad, group chief executive of RAK Ceramics added: “With his many years of experience both in the sanitary industry and in specialist wholesaling, Harald Hotop is the ideal addition to the management team to continue to drive forward the transformation of Kludi together with Frank Holtmann-Wibberich and Can Yildirim. This is the basis for embarking on a new era with Kludi and jointly developing the company into a leading premium brand in the sanitary industry.”
Earlier this year, RAK Ceramics also announced the passing of Rob Jull, the former chairman and MD of the brand in the UK. Additionally, RAK Ceramics also reported an incredibly positive financial result for the 2022 period, which saw sales profits for the company reach their highest point since 2009.