New UK sales role created as Michelle Airth concentrates on international accounts
Popular greeting card stalwart Chris Bryan is joining Glick as the head of UK sales, marking a new chapter in his career when he takes up his new position in January having spent 24 years working for Second Nature.
“I haven’t felt this excited for a very long time,” Chris told PG Buzz. “and I really can’t wait to sink my teeth into my new role and be a part of the company’s next growth phase.”
Glick’s managing director Becky Dobson said: “As both our UK sales and international exports have grown over the past two to three years, this appointment comes at a significant time for the company.”
The appointment means Michelle Airth, who used to juggle UK national accounts with the company’s export customers, will be able to concentrate on the international key accounts at the Yorkshire-based giftwrap and accessories company, with Chris looking after sales on the domestic side of the business.
Paying tribute to Michelle, who has managed both UK and international key accounts for the business for the last nine years, Becky said she has been “a significant contributor to the growth of the company and will continue to nurture and develop the international side of the business”.
Becky added she’s excited “that Chris will join Glick to look after UK sales, including the continuous development of relationships with Glick’s ever-loyal UK customer base, he will also hold fast Glick’s commitment to customer service excellence as we grow, and will head up our UK sales force”.
And his move to the company in the new year coincides with the expansion into its new base in Batley, at 37,000sq ft it’s three times the size of the current Bradford operation.
Buckinghamshire-based Chris started working for Second Nature in the production department over 35 years ago, then moved into Christmas decorations, make-up and satellite equipment before returning to the Isle of Wight-headquartered publisher in 2000, managing the export department, marketing, national accounts and is currently general manager.
Chris is a past-president of the GCA and long-serving council member and commented: “Having spent most of my career in senior sales roles, both domestically and internationally, I was looking for a new challenge when I heard about the opportunity at Glick.
“With Glick’s reputation for exceptional product and amazing service, it really didn’t take long for Becky to sell the opportunity to me.
“I’m sure there’s a lot to learn but I really can’t wait to sink my teeth into my new role and to help drive sales forward by adding some of my experience into the mix.”
Of his long tenure with Second Nature, Chris added: “Yes, 24 years is a long time with one company, but I learned so much from all the different roles that I’ve held over the years. I thank the company’s co-founders Rod and Trevor Schrager for the opportunities they gave me and business experience I gained. I’ve learned so much from those two men.”
