Well-known industry executive, Chris Houfe (pictured above) has joined Santoro, taking up a newly created position as its UK national sales manager, an integral part of the company’s global growth strategy. Chris’ remit is to expand the domestic sales of Santoro’s wide portfolio, from its 3D Swing cards to its Gorjuss ranges.
“I said that not working just didn’t suit me and that I wanted to stay in the industry – this is the ideal challenge for me,” Chris told PG Buzz yesterday April 8), his first day in his new role. Latterly Chris was joint managing director of Emotional Rescue (a role he fulfilled for the seven months prior to the company being acquired by its former co-owner David Greaves in February). Previous to this Chris was sales director of GBCC for many years.
“Do you know that this is the first time in the company’s 35 years that we have recruited from within the industry for a senior management role, but Chris’ experience, strategic thinking and upbeat personality meant that we are in no doubt that he is the man for the job at what is an exciting time for the company,” said Meera Santoro, who together with her husband Lucio is co-founder and co-owner of the global card, gift and brand business, which last year received the Queen’s Award For Enterprise for International Trade.
Chris joining Santoro coincides with the company ramping up its activities in the UK to mirror that of elsewhere in the world. In addition to its own manufactured products, through Santoro’s burgeoning licensing programme, its brands, such as Gorjuss, now have a presence in 93 different countries.
The last few months has seen Santoro set a standalone business in Milan.
“We are gearing up for growth. Chris’ joining is very much part of this. Our sales team is expanding in order to provide retailers with an even better support for our growing portfolio of brands and products,” explained Meera. “We are continuing to invest heavily in new products, creating today the treasures of tomorrow; the nostalgia of the future that will be kept.”
Top: Chris Houfe is back in the industry, having joined Santoro.
