Expansion & Growth at Draper Tools as Kevin Smith joins Board of Directors
Draper Tools are delighted to announce that Kevin Smith has been appointed as their new Marketing Director, joining the company’s board of directors as part of ongoing plans for growth and innovation.
Smith initially joined the 103-year-old tool firm in January 2020 as Head of Marketing and played an instrumental role in helping the business successfully navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Since his arrival, Draper’s marketing function has gone from strength to strength with several new initiatives and appointments to the department, bringing in a wealth of new talent across digital marketing, communications, strategy, design and e-commerce.
Prior to joining Draper, Smith co-founded two successful marketing agencies, as well as working as an independent consultant, with the likes of Canon EMEA and Sage to modernise their marketing functions. Speaking about the new appointment and his time at Draper, Smith said: “I love what I do. I always have. Not everyone can say that, so I count myself very fortunate. In January 2020, this passion led me to the doors of Draper Tools.
In Draper I found a rare breed of company – a family business with a rich history spanning more than 100 years and a strong team with a real passion for what they do. I’m genuinely humbled to have the privilege of guiding such a talented team through the journey we’re on. We’ve faced challenges in the pandemic, as every business has, but we met them head-on, and together we’ll continue to drive the business forward.”
I am honoured to be joining the Draper board and to be a custodian of this very special family business through its next chapter. I’m confident that great things lie ahead.”
Originally established in 1919 by Bert Draper, Draper Tools is still family owned and run today by the fourth generation of the Draper family. The business remains as committed to growth as ever, with a state-of-the-art new warehouse build currently underway at its Hampshire headquarters. The international operations are also expanding, with the company now exporting to over 70 countries worldwide.
Managing Director Graham Wade commented: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in recent years as a business. Draper Tools has seen a great deal of innovation and modernisation across all sectors and Kevin has played a key role in that. Having him as part of our leadership team will no doubt help us to continue to grow and strengthen our position in the market.”
The rapid growth and expansion plans at Draper Tools have seen a recruitment drive with a number of exciting new roles being created across the business – for details visit drapertools.com/careers.
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