Leading figure in the UK DIY and garden market, Peter Stone is to leave his current role as home improvement sector director of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association to take up a new position as sales and marketing director of Centurion Europe, the distributor and merchandising expert.  

The appointment will commence in September 2015.  Centurion, which now offers over 25,000 ‘essential’ DIY, garden and housewares products has created this new role as part of its strategy to drive its several brands forward into the independent, multiple and export markets. 

The role also includes responsibility for the company’s Spectrum brand of industrial through to retail health and safety signage.

Peter Stone has been part of a very dynamic team at BHETA which has driven forward an array of added value member services focussing on sales opportunities such as the series of very successful Meet The Buyer days with top retailers across the market. 

He was previously sales and marketing director of Eliza Tinsley, the chain and rope company and has over 30 years experience in the DIY, hardware and garden industries with sales and marketing roles at NT Door/Window Fittings (Newman Tonks Group), Worcester Parsons (McKechnie Group), Jenks and Cattell (Garden Tools/Equipment) as well as sales management positions at Abru (ladders) and Murphy Chemical (Garden Chemicals)..

Commenting on the move to Centurion Europe, Peter said: “I have had a very exciting few years working as part of the BHETA team - together I believe we have made it the cutting edge and highly relevant trade and retail body that it now is.  Centurion Europe is a fantastic opportunity, however. 

"It is is already a successful UK and European company and is entering markets across the world.  Having established its supply credentials, it is now looking to build its brands across the board and continue a very ambitious sales and marketing programme in general.  Becoming a world player is a significant step requiring serious marketing support both strategic and tactical and for me this is an opportunity too good to resist.”

Centurion Europe’s managing director Paul Kantecki said: “Businesses which started their lives in wholesale are not always known for marketing and customer support, but we are setting out on an ambitious journey involving a serious commitment to brands, to ensuring that our retailers can sell through effectively and to fantastic merchandising. 

"We are planning major campaigns at home and abroad and I am delighted that Peter is joining the team to spearhead our plans.”

Centurion Europe was founded in 1984 and employs close to a 100 staff.  It prides itself on excellent stock availability and delivery within 48 hours.