Key People
John Larkin Managing Director
John joined Kenton Research in 2005 as Sales and Marketing Director from Telspec where he was Access Product Director and UK Sales Director. Working both in the UK and Middle East John and has held high level positions for a number of major manufacturers and suppliers. He has a track record of developing and leading growth with companies through effective leadership skills of motivating and uniting staff to deliver improved performance.
John took over as Managing Director in February 08 and has continued to develop the strategy for the group to take the business to the next level.
"My objective is clear, to drive The Kenton Group to be the premier supplier of access products and services in the UK and EMEA."
Lee Palmer Commercial Director
Lee joined the group in 2007 to define the sales of third party products and develop its pre and post sales activity. With more than 20 years of sales experience in senior roles with Jtec, where he was EMEA Sales Director, 3Com's as Business Development Manger for the CommWorks division and also RAD /Axerra where he held position as Carrier Business development Manager and Sales Director.
Promoted in early 2008 to Commercial Director Lee sets the strategic direction for sales, marketing and technical support.
"Our goal is to be the leading access supplier in EMEA, with our unique position of having design, development and integration with strong pre and post sales teams we are clearly offering more than just a box. Our success to date and our continued growth will be driven by our blend of home grown products and best in breed third party systems along with a commitment to quality and excellence in every aspect of our business."
Peter Garnham Non Executive Finance Director
Peter joined The Kenton Group team as a non-executive director in February 2008 to provide strategic input to the group for financial and legal matters. Peter will assist the management team with governance and future development strategy.
Peter is the managing director of a venture capital company that has expanded its operations by 500% over the last 6 years. He has managed the financial development from a start up situation to having £200 million under management, employing staff located in six offices across England and gaining authorisation by the Financial Services Authority. He is experienced in working with SME businesses across all industry sectors.
"The fundamentals of solid financial planning are at the heart of every growing company, I am delighted to be part of this forward thinking business and look forward to helping them develop over the coming years."
Sharron Swann Non Executive Human Resources Director
Sharron joined the team at The Kenton Group early in 2008 bringing more than 10 years senior HR management experience. Having worked internationally for the past 5 years, designing and implementing global Shared Service Centres for ICI and AkzoNobel. Sharron joined The Kenton Group to ensure we provide quality in all aspects of HR. As an expert in HR process design, pensions, benefits and employee relations, with extensive generalist experience gained in both the private and public sector Sharron's experience is key as The Kenton Group continues to grow. With first hand knowledge of leading Union negotiation at a large manufacturing site, branding the ICI Defined Contribution pension scheme (recognised by the NAPF), developing and implementing the UK Flexible Benefits Scheme, UK policy development and harmonisation, and HR process development in the USA, Canada, China, the UK and Europe, Sharron will be pivotal to The Kenton Group's future development. As a proven leader and team player focused on service delivery, cost efficiency and business partnership, Sharron continues to thrive on the challenge of finding solutions which are both business focused and people orientated.
"As The Kenton Group continues it growth, its people are the biggest factor in its success. I'm here to ensure that we meet and exceed the challenges every growing business faces. I'm pleased to be part of a dynamic, focused business such as The Kenton Group, and look forward to helping my colleagues on the board deliver the success they are striving for."
Ian Tucker Operations Manager
Ian joined Kenton Research in October 2006 and instantly made an impact bringing a new level of professionalism to operations. His experience in this area has been an asset from the outset and his eight years with Telspec where he managed production and quality will serve The Kenton Group well both today and in the future.
Ian is an accomplished and proactive manufacturing professional, with more than 15 years management experience in pressured work environments. He has led and co-ordinated multi disciplined teams to achieve on time delivery, increased productivity and flexibility, whilst reducing the overall cost base. Used to working to and maintaining strict ISO quality standards, Ian is proficient in all disciplines from planning (MRP 1 & 2) and material procurement to efficient, high quality lean manufacturing, customer supply, fulfilment and support.
"With the growth of The Kenton Group, the supply chain must be very robust to cope with the pressures in providing and maintaining total customer satisfaction. My Team and I are relishing this ongoing challenge and will provide the necessary support and controls for the business."
Mike Giles Engineering & Technical Manager
After graduating from Greenwich University Mike joined BAE systems, helping to develop test equipment for the aero industry. A move to Telspec followed where he was a key player in the development of the pairgain equipment, which was ultimately deployed by BT throughout the UK. Other key projects included the VoIP gateway, mini Dslam and IPS720 TDM platform.
Mike joined Kenton Research in 2006 to lead the development program of the KRL product range. Mike progressed in 2008 to the Position of Engineering & Technical Support Manager and now has responsibility for driving customer development contracts and directing the pre and post sales technical teams.
"As the company continues to grow many of the changes have come in the technical support area. I am pleased to be a significant part of that change helping The Kenton Group deliver unprecedented levels of service to all of our customers."
