Allan will join the business on 2 September and will report to chairman Duncan Wilkes. Butler is stepping down from his existing role and will be leaving Hawco after a 25-year career with the business. Allan and Butler will be managing a handover during September.

Allan has held a series of senior management positions in distribution businesses most recently as country manager responsible for the UK & Ireland division of ADI Global, the UKs leading distributor of security and access control equipment. Prior to that he spent 15 years in Heating & Cooling in Europe with Wolseley, the plumbing, heating and cooling trade specialist merchant and globally with Armstrong Fluid Technology. Whilst at Wolseley, Allan was also commercial director responsible for the cooling business under the Climate Center brand.

Wilkes said: “We are delighted that Simon is joining us to lead the business as it builds on the foundations that Martin has put in place over several years. He brings huge experience in leading distribution businesses and growing revenue.”

Allan commented: “This is a great time to be joining Hawco. We are well positioned for growth with a very experienced team, a strong product range, the ability to provide our customers with effective technical guidance and ambitious owners. I am looking forward to an exciting time as I take up the role in September.”