Dometic Marine makes key changes in EMEA territory

Dometic Group recently confirmed five key appointments in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) territory following the restructuring of Dometic Group’s global business operations in early 2013.

Julien Lefeuvre takes on the role of Head of Marine OEM, with particular responsibility for the direct sales of systems and installations to boat builders in the leisure and commercial sectors.

The role further manages Dometic’s marine business throughout the EMEA territory and is responsible for the Condaria, Cruisair®, Dometic and Marine Air® brands.

Julien will also oversee the integration of the recently acquired range of Livos Technologies’ engine ventilation products, which will be branded Dometic Livos.

He will be based in France and brings to the role 10 years’ marine experience with Dometic.

Kester Petersson is appointed Head of Business Development and Marketing EMEA – Marine Aftermarket.

Within this dual role he becomes responsible for marketing Dometic’s Marine business in EMEA. The range is extensive and features air-conditioning, sanitation, refrigeration, galley and electronic products.

As Head of Business Development, Kester will manage and secure the marine consumer product needs introduced from within the Dometic Range Management division. The role further acts as interface between Dometic’s sales companies within EMEA and the Product Management teams. This enables Dometic to capture the market needs and ensure they are part of future product generation plans.

Kester has worked for 14 years with Dometic and continues to be based in Solna, Sweden. He reports to Sophie Dixon, Vice President Aftermarket, EMEA.

Three further appointments have been made to strengthen the EMEA business moving into 2014.

Paul Hickinbotham has been appointed Director EMEA - Sales and Administrations & Commercial Division. Within this role he takes specific responsibility for the management of the growth of the commercial sector.

He is supported in this role by Gustaf Hamrén who has been appointed Sales Manager EMEA - Commercial Division.

Steve Morris is appointed Director EMEA - Technical and Sales Application Division.

This newly created division will evaluate the Dometic product range to ensure they satisfy the diverse requirements of the EMEA customers. It will also support applications and technical support within the growing commercial sector.

Joachim Kinscher, President, Dometic Group EMEA, said the new team structure will focus the company’s growth moving forward.

Joachim explained, “These changes were made in the first half of the year and we are now seeing the rewards of focusing key principals on a single EMEA territory, Our marine OEM and aftermarket businesses are recovering at differing rates. It is clear that each sector has unique needs and strategic management to support both existing and new business growth.”

Summarising the new appointments, Julien Lefeuvre commented: “The last five years have seen a substantial change in the marine business landscape and our recreational business has been less robust. In contrast, demand for Dometic products and installations within the commercial and workboat sector has been growing year on year. By appointing such a strong and highly experienced team to manage the commercial division, our customers will benefit from years of knowledge and experience.”

For further information please visit Dometic Marine