After 17 years with AluK and 8 years as Managing Director, Russell Yates has announced his decision to step down, in order to pursue his long-term ambition of business ownership.
Since becoming Managing Director in 2012, Russell has helped to grow the business six-fold and has spearheaded an investment programme, which has seen AluK create a market-leading 350,000 sq ft production facility in Chepstow and establish a brand which is trusted and respected throughout the industry.
Russell commented: “I have enjoyed every moment of my time with AluK and feel incredibly privileged to have worked with such a supportive and talented team. The company means a huge amount to me personally. I joined my father’s small family business and discovered my passion for the business and love of this industry. As we all know, this industry has a way of getting hold of you and making you feel part of the fenestration family. It goes without saying then that I am sad to leave, but I know I am leaving the business in a very strong position and a major brand leader. Even given the current situation, I am sure it will continue to realise its potential with such an outstanding team in place.”
AluK’s Group CEO, Hélène Roux said: “Russell’s contribution at AluK has been immense and I would like to place on record our thanks to him for all that he has done, especially in the last few years, to transform the UK business into a truly world class operation.
“AluK’s ethos is built around encouraging and promoting entrepreneurship. Each country’s MD is appointed to run the business as if it were their own, with the full support of myself and the other shareholders. It was clear when I appointed Russell as MD in 2012 that, despite his young age, he had the necessary capability, determination and more importantly the passion for the business. His results and track record since then demonstrate both his expertise and his flair.”
Russell’s replacement at AluK will be Justin Hunter, who has extensive experience in the fenestration industry, including as Managing Director of another aluminium systems house. In the short term, Russell and Justin will be working alongside one another to make sure that AluK emerges from the current lockdown in the best possible shape.
Russell will be remaining in the industry however and is joining Blackburn-based aluminium fabricator AluFoldDirect as a key shareholder and Managing Director.
Hélène added: “We are understandably sorry to see Russell leave, but we recognise his desire to fulfil his personal career ambitions of business ownership. We all wish him every success in his new challenge and, as AluFoldDirect’s key supplier, I know that AluK will very much be a part of that.”
Russell said: “I believe Justin’s appointment is a strong one. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the aluminium and fenestration industry, in both trade and commercial markets. He has a strong leadership team in place at AluK who I know will be supporting him to take AluK forward into the next phase of its growth plans and I certainly look forward to working with him in the future.”