Commenting on his appointment, Steve, who is well known to the UK bathroom industry after 19 years with Bristan and a period as president of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, says: “What has attracted me back to a hands on CEO role are the exciting plans Methven has for its UK and global business. I am looking forward to cementing the credibility of the Methven Group and products in the UK and Europe. Methven demonstrates a thinking in bathroom design that I have not seen before and I am keen to be part of that transformation.

“The company’s user-centred approach, resulting in products including the award winning Satinjet®, and others that have yet to reach the UK market, has captured my imagination. We already have a great offering with Deva and we will grow this respected brand in the UK and other Methven markets. I believe that together with my knowledge and experience of the UK bathroom industry and Methven’s design innovations, we can take the UK market to a totally new level.”

In welcoming Mr Lee to the company, Methven Group managing director Rick Fala said that Steve had a track record in growing businesses, particularly in front-end sales and marketing areas, developing high performing leadership teams and implementing change management.

“Steve brings us greater capability to contribute to and execute our strategy and replicate the success we have had with our premium, proprietary products in New Zealand, Australia and the Far East. He is a proven leader in the UK shower and tapware industry and shares our confidence that Methven’s premium, differentiated strategy will work in the UK and Europe,” Mr Fala said.

Established in New Zealand in 1886, Methven acquired Deva in 2007. Known as the leading supplier of superior quality showers and tapware in New Zealand and Australia, Methven has earned a deserved reputation across its international customer base for designing and manufacturing innovative, high quality, and superior performing water and energy efficient products.

In Australia, Methven has experience in migrating its commodity and value business to becoming a premium market leading bathroom entity where it has rapidly grown market share and established Satinjet® as the preferred choice of shower by discerning consumers. The plan now, says Steve, is to replicate that success in the UK and Europe.

Steve adds: “We are investing heavily in the company, making improvements and recruiting additional talent to help us achieve our ambitious goals. As a result, the UK can expect a re-energised business, the repositioning and further enhancement of the Deva brand and the launch of premium Methven shower and tapware ranges for the luxury market.

“We will reach out to new markets at home and overseas with the Deva and Methven brands and expand our product offering and appeal. The change is a very positive move set to greatly benefit our customers.”

Commenting on the company name change Steve concludes: “The name change from Deva to Methven is a very natural and expected progression in the company’s development as the Methven Group formerly unifies its global operations to better reflect the group’s ambitious global strategy, which is to be the leading global brand, recognised and loved worldwide for delivering superior, life-enhancing shower experiences.

“Customers can expect the same excellent service and product quality as they always have from Deva, but with renewed energy and enthusiasm and some very exciting products. We have a great future ahead of us and we are looking forward to sharing the journey with our staff, customers and suppliers.”

About Steve Lee

Mr Lee has more than 25 years’ senior experience in the bathroom industry. He joined Bristan in 1991 and played a significant role in growing the business after leading a management buyout in 1997. Under his direction Bristan grew from an eight-person business to become the leading player in the UK tapware market.

He led the sale of Bristan to US plumbing giant Masco in 2002, staying on as CEO while steering the company through a merger with Masco brands including Heritage and Gummers to create the Bristan Group, of which he became chairman in 2008.

He has also been president of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

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