Bathroom and kitchen brand Grohe has appointed Kristine Skauge as new leader for the UK from April 2023.

She succeeds Matt Brown who has been in charge of the business since 2021.

Skauge will be responsible for managing the Grohe brand and its sub-brands Grohe Spa, Grohe Professional and Grohe QuickFix.

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Coming from within the Grohe business, following a 10-year rise through the ranks, she most recently led the brand’s marketing efforts across the Middle East and North Africa region.

Skauge has also held senior posts within Grohe’s marketing functions in Northern Europe, spearheading the planning and implementation of major marketing strategies and initiatives.

Prior to joining the company, Skauge was product manager for Citroen and responsible for its portfolio in the Norwegian market.

Grohe has also appointed Chris Dodds as its UK commercial leader, who will steer strategy across multiple sales channels and report to Kristine Skauge.

He brings a wealth of industry experience to the role, having most recently held the position of managing director at Davroc, an independent distributor of bathrooms.

Previously, Dodds has held senior posts in sales and management at Coalbrook and Ideal Bathrooms.

Commenting on her appointment, Kristine Skauge said: “I look forward to leading the UK business after years of developing the Grohe brand in other markets.

“The UK has always stood out to me as a particularly exciting, fast-paced, multi-channel market and I look forward to continuing to build on the good work of my predecessors and the current leadership team.”

Leader of North West Europe at Lixil EMENA Rogier van Dis commented: “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Kristine and Chris, whose arrivals mark the start of a new and promising era for our UK team.

“Kristine has been a rising talent within the Grohe family and her astute marketing background across multiple territories makes her expertly placed to drive the brand forwards.

“Both Kristine and Chris bring vast amounts of industry-relevant experience, which will enable us to continue to cement our status as a strong commercial partner for our UK customers.”