SKF appoints new Business Unit Manager for UK and Ireland

Born in The Netherlands, and with an MSc in Business Administration, Olaf de Bakker has been with SKF since 1996 and has held a variety of roles. These have included the position of Managing Director of SKF Pakistan, which he held for four years, and most recently Vice President Industrial Distribution and Marketing for Asia Pacific for which he was based in Singapore for nearly 5 years.

With considerable expertise in sales and area management, in particular industrial distribution and services, de Bakker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the SKF business in the UK and Ireland.

de Bakker comments: "We have an extremely successful and long-established UK business. It is extremely active across all industry sectors, with a strong team, excellent distribution partners and a comprehensive range of advanced products, services and solutions."

He continues: "Just as importantly, we are constantly innovating to help our customers enhance the performance, productivity and profitability of their design, production and process facilities. Our product and service offering, ranging from bearings and units, seals, mechatronics, lubrication, power transmission to mounting and dismounting tools, condition monitoring products and services for rotating equipment, is a very strong and unique combination that enables us to have a holistic view on machinery and production processes.

"This approach creates a wealth of opportunities, at a time when the economy is beginning to recover and as the UK begins to reestablish its position as a world class manufacturer on the world stage.

"I am therefore looking forward to this new and exciting challenge, and to working with our UK team to create future success and deliver an even better service. But, above all "machine reliability' to all our customers."

For further information about SKF Industrial Market, Regional Sales and Service please go to www.skf.co.uk.