Chris Barker joins Rolawn to support builders’ merchant customer base

Rolawn, the UK’s market-leading supplier of turf and topsoil, has appointed Chris Barker to the role of Sales Manager, providing dedicated support for builders’ merchants.

Chris will work with independent builders’ merchants, as well as builders’ merchant buying groups, to help ensure they get maximum value from their relationship with Rolawn.

Among other things, the role involves working closely with customers on individual trading plans and developing collaborative and impactful marketing strategies, to secure business continuity. Chris will be responsible for developing business to optimise all products, with a particular focus on the Hallstone brand which is dedicated to the trade market.

Chris Barker

Chris says, “I am looking forward to helping customers to achieve more from our partnership – giving them the tools to retain and grow their customer base and building on Rolawn’s name and reputation.”

Jonathan Hill, Sales Director for Rolawn, says, “Chris is a welcome addition to our sales force. Chris’s background in account management aligns perfectly with our channel-focused approach to sales and account management and I look forward to watching him develop this key target market.”

Chris has been involved in sales roles since leaving school, quickly gaining the skills and experience to look after key accounts for large appliance manufacturers.

A move to New Zealand, in 2005, saw Chris working for international brands Qantas and GE Lighting, before following his dream of establishing his own business importing products for the motorhome, caravan and marine industry, which he successfully distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand for several years.

Returning to the UK in 2018, Chris became National Account Manager for Sensio Lighting, refining his key account management skills further.

Outside of the office, Chris is very active, playing ‘Padel’ – a combination of Squash and Tennis – and attending boot camps for fitness, recently attending one in Tenerife. He enjoys working on his garden, which he shares with his fiancée and their Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Lottie.