Becky Ashcroft, Kate Sura & Kim Ellis have been promoted to key roles within the group of companies
Allumette Group is pleased to announce that. Two have also accepted positions on the board. three employees have been promoted to key roles within the group of companies, at Vertik-Al and IKON Aluminium Systems.
Becky Ashcroft is promoted to group finance director and has accepted seats on the boards of both Vertik-Al and IKON. Katarzyna (Kate) Sural is promoted to HR manager for both Vertik-Al and IKON. Kim Ellis is promoted to operations director for IKON Aluminium Systems and was invited to join the IKON board of directors.
Becky Ashcroft – Group Finance Director
Becky is a qualified accountant and has worked in audit for over 26 years. As group finance director she oversees all financial aspects of the business and drives the company’s financial strategy and planning and is responsible for assessing the financial performance of the company as well as possible risks.
Becky first joined as group finance controller. “I was very honoured to then be asked to be a director and hope to reward the faith shown in me,” comments Becky. “I hope to give the operations directors more detail and insight into the figures with a view to reducing and managing costs more effectively.”
Kate Sural - HR Manager For Both Vertik-Al & IKON
Kate started at Vertik-Al as an office administrator in 2019 after graduating from Aston University, before joining the HR department, she supported the HR efforts on a part-time basis. “It quickly developed into a full-time position,” says, Kate. “It enabled me to get to know every single person working for the company and to see how the company manages its workforce. These roles have given me a good understanding of the needs of employees at all levels.”
As HR manager for both IKON and Vertik-Al, Kate’s biggest challenge is dealing with almost 200 employees working both days and nights across multiple factories and buildings. “I am not afraid of a challenge,” continues, Kate, “…and this is no exception. I think my organisational skills and good time management will certainly help!”
In addition to providing HR support to both group businesses, Kate is currently studying towards CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management.
Kim Ellis – Operations Director For IKON
Kim has been with the business for over 10 years, most recently as general manager of IKON Aluminium Systems. “I am thrilled to have been asked to join the board of IKON,” comments Kim. “I believe that my experience, dedication and hard work since the acquisition of the company in 2017 has been recognised and rewarded with this promotion.”
In her new role, Kim will be involved in day-to-day decisions and operations. “This promotion builds on the general management role to the benefit of our customers and suppliers. In my new position I can respond swiftly and decisively to situations and further develop my team. In short, I am looking forward to influencing IKON’s bright future endeavours.
Speaking about the promotions, John Park-Davies, director of Allumette Group says: “We are extremely fortunate to employ many talented people, and in promoting Becky, Kate and Kim, we are demonstrating there is no barrier to anyone in our business knowing he or she can reach the top of their chosen field.
“Yet it’s not simply about giving someone a new position, these roles give each of them the power to create and deliver change. They have the knowledge, skills, support, and most important of all, the opportunity, to make a real difference. The impact of these promotions will be felt professionally and personally by all members of the Allumette family, and we’re excited to see what the future brings. We wish them every success.”