Nikwax announces appointments of new CEO and Commercial Director
World leading aftercare and waterproofing solutions specialist Nikwax has made major changes to its leadership team to further strengthen its position in the market. Maintaining his role as President of Nikwax North America, Brian Davidson (pictured), takes on the role as CEO of Nikwax globally.
Furthermore, Chris Ward has been appointed as Commercial Director for Nikwax in the UK.
“Brian has achieved significant growth in the North American market over the last eight years and has been heavily involved with strategic projects for the Nikwax international business over the last year,” said Adam Arnold, CEO of GearForm, parent company of Nikwax. “His ability to create a friendly and ambitious team made the decision to advance him to Nikwax CEO very easy. I look forward to seeing the global team’s response to Brian’s unique ability to boost confidence and inspire others to improve. Brian will be pivotal in shaping the future direction of the business, utilizing the diverse knowledge and skills he has built up over his comprehensive career.”
Spending many years in the bicycle and fitness industries, Davidson started as Director of Sales for Nikwax NA in 2015 before his appointment to President in 2017. Over the course of the past eight years, under Davidson’s leadership Nikwax has seen record sales each year. He has been instrumental in driving projects that have positively impacted the overall business.
“I am incredibly proud of the progress and success we have experienced in North America,” said Davidson. “We have a talented and focused team, and with this new role, an opportunity to unify the global team to continue to build on our 46 years of industry leadership.”
Reporting into Brian Davidson here in the UK is Chris Ward who joins Nikwax as Commercial Director. With over 30-years sales and marketing experience working for international brands, Ward’s previous commercial leadership and Board level expertise has focused on creating growth strategies that have built strong customer relationships and customer experiences for British manufacturers serving national and independent retailers around the world.
Ward’s passion for driving sustainability transformation ensured a perfect fit with Nikwax and its focus on water-based, clean chemistry. Nikwax’s Employee-Owned Trust status reinforced its wider force-for-good purpose designed to have a positive social and environmental impact.
“I am very excited to have joined Nikwax, a brand and household name that we all know and the first choice for cleaning and waterproofing aftercare products. Their global expansion and talented team provide a fantastic springboard to realise a range of product and service opportunities, including digital transformation, that ensures a careful balance between embracing ecommerce and maintaining a human connection with consumers through our fabulous retail partners.”
