Chris Peacock
Joined 1996
Gem Group Managing Director
Chris is the European Managing Director for the Gem Group of companies after serving 10 years as Managing Director and Sales Director, prior to this Chris worked within various sales and management roles at Micro P.
Chris is primarily responsible for the strategic development and acquisition strategy, of which includes the recent signing of digital distribution firm, Ztorm and to ensure that Gem Group constantly evolves its customer and supplier propositions.
Darren Houghton
Joined 2001
UK General Manager
Darren was promoted to UK General Manager of Gem in 2010, having previously directed the Sales team for over 5 years. Darren has the overall responsibility for the sales, purchasing and marketing functions for Gem UK and his main objective is to develop and grow Gem’s customer and supplier businesses whilst maintaining a best in class service level.
Douglas Yarker
Joined 1995
Gem Group Finance Director
Doug joined Gem in 1995 after spending 10 years with Micro Peripherals. Doug oversees the finance function for the Gem Group of companies and runs an experienced finance team with rigorous disciplines in place which allows him the time to investigate future acquisitions and integrate new businesses into the Gem Group.
Alex Croft
Joined 2011
Group Strategic Development Director
Alex joined the business as Group Strategic Development Director at the start of 2011, having previously worked within Entertainment and Video games retail - in various Commercial and Senior Management roles for Thorn Europe, Dixons Stores Group, Electronics Boutique and GAME Group Plc.
Alex is charged with developing and extending our trading relationships, whilst driving the proposition and services that Gem can offer to supplier and retail partners.
Alan Lynch
Joined 2004
Operations Director
Alan joined Gem in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in the logistics and supply chain industry, ranging from retail, manufacturing and third party logistics. As the Operations Director, Alan’s responsibilities include the supply chain for Gem’s UK distribution centres and Far East supply chain for own brand (Exspect).
Alan is also responsible for developing and maximising the opportunities of Gem Logistics 3PL facility which undertakes 3rd party fulfilment on behalf of leading DVD, music, PC, consumer electronics and video game publishers.
Anthony Haworth
Joined 2012
Purchasing Director
Anthony joined Gem as Purchasing Director at the beginning of 2012, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time at Spicers UK where he held a number of positions including European Purchasing Director. Anthony is responsible for Gem’s purchasing and dedicated vendor management teams whilst utilising his in-depth knowledge of Far East procurement and developing private label strategies.
Richard Fox
Joined 2012
IT Director
Richard is the newest member of the team, joining Gem as IT Director at the beginning of 2012. Richard brings with him over 20 years of experience in IT. He will be tasked with keeping Gem up to speed with the ever-growing IT industry and to build on existing technology successes to strengthen Gem’s position as a leader in its sector.
Gareth Phillips
Joined 1999
Commercial Operations Manager
Gareth joined Gem from Xerox in 1999 to provide analytics after Gem won the Sega Dreamcast distribution deal. Gareth has held various roles during his time at Gem including the roles of Business Analyst and Business Sales Divisional Manager. He is now responsible for UK commercial propositions and business opportunities. Gareth also oversees Gem Analytical, Gem’s in- house reporting division.
Katie Rawlings
Joined 2010
Head of Marketing
Katie joined Gem as Head of Marketing in 2010, having previously worked for successful magazine and online publisher, Intent Media for over 7 years.
Katie is responsible for overseeing Gem’s marketing and in-house creative agency, and actively promotes Gem’s extensive list of value added services whilst ensuring the channel are kept up to date with Gem Group’s list of on-going projects, achievements, abilities, developments and aspirations.
Neil Willerton
Joined 2010
Head of Grocery Sales
Neil joined Gem in 2010 as Channel Development Director to expand and enhance Gem’s grocers division. Now holding the position as Head of Grocery Sales for accounts such as Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Co-op and other key grocery accounts. Neil is responsible for the sales function of the grocers team and will look to consolidate existing relationships and look for new areas of opportunity.
Colin Pelley
Joined 1997
Head of Etail Sales
Colin Pelley who has been with Gem for over 10 years has recently been appointed as Head of Etail Sales having full account responsibility for Amazon, whilst overseeing the strategic development for accounts including ShopDirect Group, Ebuyer, Dabs and Spicers.
Rene Batenburg
Joined 2012
Head of Retail Sales
Rene joined Gem in 2012 from leading peripheral manufacturer Trust as Nationals Divisional Manager, since then Rene has been promoted to Head of Retail Sales for accounts such as DSG, Argos, WH Smith, Comet and HMV. Rene is responsible for the complete Nationals and Catalogue sales function and will look to diversify and enhance the business development of these important accounts.
Michael Sanderson
Joined 2005
Gem Design & Sourcing General Manager
As the co-founder to the Exspect brand which launched in 2005. Mike oversees the design, manufacturing and importing of high quality products, tailored to the requirements of retail.
In June 2012, Gem launched a new division - Gem Design & Sourcing (GDS), which Exspect now forms part of. Mike now continues his role as General Manager for Gem Design & Sourcing.
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Business Manager
The Business Manager role within Gem is to ensure the performance and growth of the specific brand or category against agreed targets through Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing.
Vendor and customer focused. A vital part of the role is to grow Gem’s share of business within our accounts...
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