David Haines to take change of global sanitaryware business

Tokyo-based Lixil Corporation is set to create the Water Technology Group, including Grohe, American Standard and Joyou, which will be led by Grohe chairman and CEO David Haines.

Haines will take over as CEO of  Lixil Water Technology, from April 2015, in addition to his current responsibilities and he will be supported by a management team.

The move will see the creation of a sanitaryware group with sales of around $6billion and earnings of around 10% operating profit. It will boast around 300,000 employees, in sales offices across 150 markets, with 50 factories around the world.

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Grohe, American Standard, Joyou and Lixil/Inax brands will remain independent within the Lixil Water Technology Group and their own management teams will continue to run the businesses.

Lixil Water Technology Group will establish four sales territories of Japan, EMEA, the Americas and Asia, each with primary responsibility for the different brands.

President and CEO of the Lixil Group, Yoshiaki Fujimori commented: “This decision strengthens our global sanitaryware business and links our leading brands in all important regions of the world into a powerful and highly efficient global unit, particularly in purchasing, production as well as research and development. We are proud to be creating a new global market leader under the leadership of David Haines.”

David Haines, chairman and CEO of Grohe said: “Lixil Water Technology Group will be the key innovative player in the sanitary industry with strong brands and excellent positioning in a rapidly changing global market.” He continued: “Our unique product portfolio enables us to offer complete bathroom solutions. With our intentionally experienced management team, we will lock down profitable and sustainable growth and lead the consolidation drive in the sanitary industry.”