Baxi has appointed Paul Hardy as managing director of its UK residential and commercial boiler businesses, further strengthening its operations in a challenging marketplace.

Mr Hardy brings a wealth of experience to this new appointment. Having started his career as an apprentice-trained heating and ventilation engineer, he went on to gain 14 years’ experience in contracting and design before moving into sales and progressing to sales and marketing director at Andrews Water Heaters.

He then became managing director of Baxi Commercial in 2006, and was responsible for integrating Andrews Water Heaters, Potterton Commercial and Baxi-SenerTec UK to form Baxi Commercial Division.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hardy said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenges that this new role will bring. Understanding the needs of the installer at a grassroots level is incredibly important, ensuring that we not only understand what motivates installers but also what helps them on the job.

“I’ve come into the role in what many see as a difficult time and when, as an industry, we face a number of challenges. I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to support the business during this time and to make all our customers’ lives easier in the longer term.”

In his new role Mr Hardy will be responsible for the commercial operations of both the Residential Boilers and Baxi Commercial Division businesses.