Matthew Carpenter
Sleaford,Lincolnshire
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with expertise in sales and marketing management, change management, and business strategy implementation. Adept at fostering cross-functional leadership, enhancing board relations, and driving process improvement to achieve organisational goals. Recognised as a thought leader with strong problem-solving abilities, mathematical analysis skills, and exceptional communication capabilities. Committed to leveraging strategic insights to deliver impactful solutions and support sustainable growth.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager UK, Nordics & Eastern Europe
Feilo Sylvania UK Ltd
Newhaven, East Sussex
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Full management responsibility for UK P & L of 40M Euros, together with Eastern European P & L of 50M Euros.
- Established strategy for growth and development of Consumer and Specialite branded product activity.
- International coordination of European strategy promoting best new practices, maximising international key account revenues.
- Extensive European travel demonstrating high level ability to engage with European Directors and their teams to identify growth and construct change strategies.
- Utilised strong international communication skills to motivate & gain commitment with internal sales & marketing teams to improve product outreach, increase revenue for Company goals across 9 European countries.
- Political strategist communicating accurate and positive Company directions from Chinese owners across countries and functions.
- Shaped specialist product portfolio overseeing factory development, marketing, financial analysis and sales growth on a European basis.
General Manager UK & Ireland
Feilo Sylvania UK Ltd
Newhaven, East Sussex
01.2017 - 09.2024
- Direct report to CEO.
- Full P & L responsibilities for UK revenue of Euros 35m.
- Responsibility for 100 employees across all functions; Sales, R & D, Commercial, Finance, Distribution.
- Managed significant factory restructures in Belgium, France and Germany. Designed & implemented strategy to move plant, product and personnel within complex local legal systems.
- Navigated the Company at the side of the CEO through every stage and business interference caused by Covid-19.
- Presentations delivered in local language to ensure professional deliverance of change.
- Identified and developed Horticultural lighting for the business. Highlighted successes were the increased share of the Grolux and Insect Attraction lamp markets. Forged new client base generating increased revenue of 25% through niche products.
- Sales growth achieved through securing long term project with USA based client. Secured revenues of Euros 15M.
- Held statutory Directorships in eight operating countries. Consistently upheld due diligence and legal commitments by ensuring timely decision making within legal and financial environments.
- Communicated to Board and all relevant stakeholders globally.
LIA President
Lighting Industry Association
Rugby
05.2022 - 05.2024
- Guided complete restructure of organisation.
- Mentor role for newly appointed CEO
- Increased membership engagement by 15%, ensuring the future of the organisation.
- Managed annual budget to ensure financial stability.
- Developing and implementing effective policies to rejuvenate organisation.
- Create media communication plans to extend reach of the organisation and increase funding opportunities.
Managing Director
Feilo Sylvania UK Ltd
Newhaven, East Sussex
03.2015 - 01.2017
- Managed crisis situation of business in global technology shift, creating strategies to focus on stock obsolescence, brand identity & market positioning.
- Developed partnership relationships with end users.
- Spearheaded Distribution re- evaluation project coordinating discussions with Amazon and new online and in store Retail outlets.
- Orchestrated large-scale events to enhance brand visibility amongst Architects & Specifiers. Personally guided the Desihn Museum project ensuring maximum exposure for products and company.
- Developed Lumiance brand showing growth of 50% market share.
- Enhanced staff morale with effective communication and engagement strategies.
Associate Vice President
Havells Sylvania Europe
08.2013 - 03.2015
- Restructured business in Nordics, Greece & Italy.
- Developed relationships with key European Distribution Clients.
- Designed & implemented growth strategy resulting in sales growth of 40%.
SBU Director - Northern Europe
Havells Sylvania Europe Ltd
Newhaven, East Sussex
09.2010 - 08.2013
- Responsibility for three Luminaire brands with annual turnover of Euro 150m.
- Coordinated European Sales strategy, resulting in better understanding of target market, improved efficiencies within Distribution & increased Sales revenues.
- Developed successful Channel Management strategies to increase brand visibility.
- Implemented CRM system across 14 countries.
- Fostered strong relationships with key clients for business growth.
- Recruited and implemented Specification Sales Team.
- Factory Management responsibility for French & UK manufacturing sites (St Etienne & Newhaven).
Sales Director
Thorn Lighting Ltd
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
05.2008 - 09.2010
- Reporting to Managing Director, P&L responsibility for
- Member of the Commercial Executive Management Team involving decision making for commercial, financial, personnel & marketing.
Business Development Manager
Thorn Lighting Ltd
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
01.2004 - 05.2008
- Drove revenue growth with innovative sales strategies with the end user.
- Executed successful product launches, driving market penetration from the conceptual stage with architects and consultants.
- Fostered client relationships, leading to sole supplier status for Thorn for the BAA Terminal 5 Construction project. Coordination of lighting design, luminaire design and selection. Coordinating from on site client meetings to the internal project team.
National Sales Manager
Pirelli Cables Ltd
Eastleigh, Hampshire
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Implementation of company strategy to increase UK sales revenue and brand presence. Responsibility for £40M sales revenue with a team of 30.
- Extensive customer relationship building and development of new and existing distribution channels.
- Control of pricing structures.
- Wholesale and DIY channel sales values increased by 20%.
- Secured 3 year contract with Blue Chip account.
- Created ground breaking specification sales team to ensure long term product specifications in key geographical areas.
Education
Early Career
9 GCE O Levels -
Chatham Grammar School
Chatham, KentSkills
- Sales & Marketing Management
- Change creation & Management
- Business Strategy & Implementation
- Personnel Management
- Board Relations
- Problem Solving
- Mathematical Analysis
- Process Improvement
- Cross Functional Leadership
- Organisational acumen
- Financial budgeting and analysis
- Business networking & relationship builder at all levels
- Cultural awareness
- Public speaking
Affiliations
- Keeping Fit with Cycling, Walking, Tennis, DIY, Travelling with Family.
Certification
President of LIA
Freedom of Lightmongers Association
Languages
French
Beginner
Accomplishments
- LIF Certification
- Pirelli SPA High Potential Employee Programme
- Leadership as a Life Choice
- Enhanced Commercial Negotiations
- AAT Stage 3 Accountancy
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager UK, Nordics & Eastern Europe
Feilo Sylvania UK Ltd
09.2024 - 12.2024
LIA President
Lighting Industry Association
05.2022 - 05.2024
General Manager UK & Ireland
Feilo Sylvania UK Ltd
01.2017 - 09.2024
Managing Director
Feilo Sylvania UK Ltd
03.2015 - 01.2017
Associate Vice President
Havells Sylvania Europe
08.2013 - 03.2015
SBU Director - Northern Europe
Havells Sylvania Europe Ltd
09.2010 - 08.2013
Sales Director
Thorn Lighting Ltd
05.2008 - 09.2010
Business Development Manager
Thorn Lighting Ltd
01.2004 - 05.2008
National Sales Manager
Pirelli Cables Ltd
01.1998 - 01.2004
Early Career
9 GCE O Levels -
Chatham Grammar School
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