David Banfield named group chief executive officer

Shower and tap supplier Methven has announced the appointment of David Banfield as group chief executive, effectively as of January 2014. Banfield will relocate to New Zealand to assume the role and succeeds Rick Fala, who has deferred his retirement to December to assist the transition. Fala will remain as a non-executive director.

Banfield was UK managing director of water-filtering products brand Brita from 2000 to 2010 and most recently led the company’s international growth strategy in new and emerging markets, including Europe, Asia and North America.

He commented on his appointment: “Having been approached to consider the opportunity of leading the Methven team, I immediately saw the synergies with my background – water, market geographies, customer proposition and the opportunities presents in existing and new markets. Methven is a business with strong brand values, based on heritage, focused capability, leading-edge design, unique and patented technologies, market leadership and quality products that consumers love, such as Satinjet. Importantly, Methven’s products also offer sustainability benefits that are demanded by consumers and customers worldwide.

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“I have been impressed by the commitment and passion of everyone who I have met within the business and I am genuinely excited to lead the team and business on the next stage of its journey to be recognised as offering the ultimate showering experience.”