Bathroom manufacturer Geberit UK has announced that its managing director, Mark Larden, plans to retire later this year, with current national sales director for projects, Andy Lever, named as his successor.
Larden plans to step down from the role on September 30, closing out an accomplished career in the UK bathroom and plumbing industry which spans more than four decades. Lever – who has worked at Geberit for almost 15 years – will begin his role as managing director on July 1, with a three-month handover period before Larden’s departure.
Mark Larden first joined Geberit back in 2000, after working for a number of market leading brands. He went on to become managing director of the UK and Ireland in 2008, and since then, the business has grown into a £100 million operation that employs more than 150 people.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most respected names in the bathroom industry, but what really stands out for me is the journey we’ve taken at Geberit,” Larden commented.
“When we entered the UK market in 1999, the brand was virtually unknown. Today, Geberit is recognised as one of the leading players in the concealed cisterns, pressing technology, and shower toilet sector.
“While Geberit as a Group celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, our UK story is still relatively young, which makes the progress we’ve made all the more impressive. It’s a real testament to the strength of the brand, both behind the wall and in front of it.
“I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in raising the bar across the UK bathroom industry, especially through innovations like the Geberit AquaClean Alba – a shower toilet that brings high-end design and functionality within reach of every kind of project. It’s been a genuine pleasure to work in a business where there’s always something fresh, forward-thinking and exciting to share.”
One particular highlight that Larden remembers fondly was the integration of the Twyford brand, after Geberit Group acquired Sanitec back in 2015. Reflecting on the achievement, he recalls: “It’s hard to believe that was nearly a decade ago, but the successful transformation of Twyford into our UK business has been a long-term focus. It’s taken time, but today we have a unified, high-performing business that fully reflects the strength and breadth of Geberit in the UK.”
Discussing what he thinks he’ll miss the most after his retirement, Larden said: “My philosophy has always been simple: enjoy the work you do and the people you do it with. That’s been easy to live by at Geberit as I’ve been incredibly fortunate to lead a team that lives and breathes those values every day. When I joined Geberit 25 years ago, it felt like stepping into a family, and that sense of togetherness has stayed with me ever since. I’ve been lucky to work alongside some of the most talented, dedicated, and genuine individuals, many of whom I now consider friends as well as colleagues. Without a doubt, it’s the people I’ll miss the most.”
On the topic of Andy Lever’s appointment to the position of incoming managing director, Mark Larden said that the company “couldn’t have chosen a better person to take the reins”. He added: “Andy is incredibly knowledgeable, deeply respected across the industry, and well liked by our customers. I have complete confidence in him and the leadership team to take the business forward – building on the momentum of the past 26 years. In many ways, our UK journey is just getting started.”
Geberit also celebrated its milestone 150th anniversary last year, which it marked by launching its “150 Acts of Kindness” campaign, in which each employee pledged their commitment to complete an act of kindness within the 150th year.
