Plumbing Africa February 2020 | Page 10

8 NEWS Gary Chandler’s appointment as Plumblink CEO points to continuity Plumblink’s commercial director Gary Chandler has been appointed the company’s new CEO from 1 January, the announcement having been at the groups’ national strategy-setting conference on 29/30 November. Outgoing CEO Seaweed McFarlane (see his Personality Profile in Plumbing Africa January issue) announced his departure some time before. Chandler says the national conference and his appointment point to continuity in the running of the company, with no dramatic strategic or management changes being contemplated. “The Plumblink model has proven to be a success, so all that is required is some minor panel beating here and there. This business runs on a team basis which meets regularly, and Seaweed in particular has fostered a team culture, which means we’re all on the same page pulling in the same direction.” The announcement at the conference reinforced that continuity: it served jointly as a congratulatory event for Chandler and McFarlane’s farewell. “He has a lot of history in our business and so we wanted everyone together celebrating that and to say goodbye.” “It’s an exciting change and challenge. I’m looking forward to it.” However, Chandler says, “I can’t just drop what I’m currently doing in my current position.” Plumblink’s new CEO, Gary Chandler. www.plumbingafrica.co.za @plumbingonline @plumbingonline @PlumbingAfricaOnline February 2020 Volume 25 I Number 12