Gloucestershire shower manufacturer appoints new managing director

Shower manufacturer Kohler Mira  has appointed Emma Foster as its new managing director.

The current boss Craig Baker has accepted a new global position to deliver the business’s product innovation programme within its parent company, Kohler Co.

Having started as a graduate in a temporary role in 2004, Foster’s appointment follows 19 years with the Gloucestershire business.

She has held various positions within the marketing team, where for the last five years she has sat on the board as marketing director, leading the division through a period of growth.

Foster serves on the two of Kohler Mira’s executive steering groups, diversity and inclusion and early careers.

With a strong track record in management positions, the promotion is testament to the company’s strategic ambition to balance internal promotions with external hires.

Baker, who has held the position of managing director for the past three and a half years, has accepted a position within the global Kohler Co. business, where as “vice president – global innovation”, he will be responsible for delivering the firm’s innovation objectives within its Kitchen and Bath unit.

Foster said: “I’m so pleased and privileged to have been asked to lead a business I’ve been a part of for 19 years, and one that I am so passionate about.

“Over our 100-year history Kohler Mira has been responsible for bringing real innovation to the showering market.

“I look forward to leading our talented team of people who are so enthusiastic about developing products and services that delight our customers, while continuing our commitment to the community through our many initiatives such as apprenticeship programmes, and our important charity and community partnerships.”

Baker added: “My three and a half years as managing director have been some of my best at Kohler Mira, so while I’m sad to leave the role, it couldn’t in be safer hands than with Emma.

“I have full confidence that she will drive the business to even more success and I look forward to the next exciting chapter.”