Business

New chief appointed at Denroy Group as John Rainey moves to chairman's role

Philip Steele of Denman, Kevin McNamee new group chief executive officer, and John Irwin, chief executive of Denroy Plastics
Philip Steele of Denman, Kevin McNamee new group chief executive officer, and John Irwin, chief executive of Denroy Plastics Philip Steele of Denman, Kevin McNamee new group chief executive officer, and John Irwin, chief executive of Denroy Plastics

HAIRCARE and aerospace group Denroy has a new head, allowing its co-founder John Rainey to step down from the day to day running of the business and take on a role as chairman.

Chartered accountant Kevin McNamee, who has held senior financial management roles in the company since 1997, is replacing him as chief executive.

Mr Rainey, one of Northern Ireland’s most respected and best-known business leaders, co-founded the group with his father Max Rainey, and has guided its growth to the diverse business it is today, operating in a range of sectors, exporting to more than 60 countries and employing 220 people worldwide.

Paying tribute to the man who has led the group for decades, Kevin said: “John’s experience, knowledge, drive and character have helped shape the group to the point it has reached today.

“He brings immense knowledge and experience and his day to day involvement will be missed greatly, but we’re delighted he will be staying on as group chairman.

“Denroy has always had a commitment to manufacturing in Northern Ireland and this will continue, although we will continue to drive efficiency to maintain and enhance our competitive advantage.

"As a plastics company we are also conscious of our environmental responsibilities and will be focusing on the elimination of all single-use plastics where possible and ensuring our products are fully recyclable at the end of life. I look forward to taking the Denroy Group to the next level, building on our people, technology and brands.”

Mr Rainey said: “Its been an immense privilege to be associated with the Denroy Group over such a long period of time. We are proud the group has remained in Northern Ireland, providing much needed jobs for decades whilst pushing innovation and growth to ensure we are in such a strong position over a range of markets.

“The new team is hugely experienced and will take the business forward to even greater heights.”