“It’s important for our customers to deal with a responsive and committed business partner who has a simple operational structure, coupled with the ability to provide a complete rental solution when and wherever our customers need it,” said Kevin Parkes, recently promoted to general manager, operations, at Hewden, from general manager, used equipment, Finning. “The re-organisation, which moves us from five regions and five stand-alone product specific divisions to three regions responsible for all product, is aimed at providing faster decisions for our customers,” he added.
The regional restructure has also been combined with a review of depots in each of the three regions. Hewden said it is looking to improve efficiency within its national coverage, “which will mean consolidation and ultimately closure of some locations by the end of Quarter 1, 2009,” the company said in a statement.
“Reviewing the performance of our depots is part of business as usual for us and is what you would expect from any well-organised business. Our focus rests upon ensuring that we are situated where our customers are and that we provide the breadth of products that they require, in the timescales that they need,” said Kevin Parkes.
In the new organisation, depots within each of the three new regions will report to a regional general manager: Andrew Swallow for Scotland and the north, Mark Hogg in the central region and Simon Clothier in the southern region. A new role of regional operations managers will manage the region’s day-to-day operational performance.
The new structure will also bring in a regional sales manager responsible for sales strategy, coaching and development for area sales managers, who report to depot managers.
Susan Shardlow is taking on responsiblitity for product management after her previous work as Hewden head of commercial. Also, a new head of service is expected to be appointed by the end of November.
