Melanie Gardner has been appointed general manager of Austrian agricultural machinery manufacturer Pöttinger’s UK subsidiary, Alois Pöttinger UK Ltd. She replaces Shaun Groom, who has moved to a new role with Merlo UK Ltd.
Great Britain is a key market for Pöttinger, which had already been selling its machines on the British market for 20 years before the subsidiary was founded. The company has a strong dealer network with nationwide coverage, and with its comprehensive product range, its expertise in service and in spare and wear parts, Pöttinger is an important partner for British agriculture.
Shaun Groom was instrumental in setting up the subsidiary, based at Corby, Northamptonshire, and made a significant contribution to strengthening the brand.
“We are grateful for his many successful years, and wish Shaun success in his future endeavours,” Pöttinger’s sales director for Western Europe and Africa, Sven Niels, said. “In our search for a successor, we looked for a manager who combines a willingness to change and a high level of commitment. With Melanie Gardner, we are able to inspire a personality who will develop sales partners and employees with skill in order to achieve the ambitious growth targets in the UK.
Melanie Gardner is an HR professional and business development manager with long links with agriculture.
“I am very much looking forward to my new role,” she said. “Pöttinger stands for quality, efficiency and reliability built on a family-owned foundation of trust and commitment. I will focus with my team – as my predecessor did – on a good partnership with dealers and my colleagues.”
