With some 25 years' experience of implementing sales and marketing strategies within large industrial groups, Garros has spent the last 15 years in high-ranking positions within the Martin Professional group. He spent ten years at the helm of Martin France before moving on to occupy the role of VP of distributor sales for Martin Professional worldwide.
"I've had 15 wonderful years at Martin Professional, but it was time for me to move on. I was ready for new challenges and new horizons," said Garros. "I've known the APG team for many years now, as the brand was at one point distributed by Martin France, so I've been keeping an eye on their progress since the MBO in 2004. The combined expertise and experience of all the APG team is enormous, and their product portfolio is both modern and comprehensive.
"As a company APG is motivated and dynamic with genuinely pioneering product concepts - in short, they have all the elements for success at their fingertips. However, the company lacked the necessary resources, both financial and human, in order to optimize their strategies and ideas. I was in a position to supply both - the opportunity, for both parties, seemed too good to miss."
APG's Gregory Dapsanse adds, "It's true that we had reached a critical point in our development where we were in need of additional resources in order to move us up to the next level. We have worked hard since 2004 in developing a range of innovative, high quality products that can comfortably rival the best that the market has to offer. Our next objective is to realize that same success commercially. This is where Bruno comes in. His arrival could not have been more timely for us. The wealth of experience and contacts he brings with him from everything he achieved at Martin Professional combined with what we have already achieved here at APG mark a significant turning point for us."
"It is my intention to double APG's turnover in the next two-three years," stated Garros. "In the short term I see my role as very hands-on, supporting the current team to continue to build on what has already been achieved throughout Europe, Russia and China, and of course our domestic market in France. These are all markets I know well, so I will be operational immediately.
"Medium and longer term we'll be targeting new markets such as North Africa, the Middle East, Asia and North America. I'll also be looking at developing new economic models, both with existing and future partners. It's going to be an exciting time for us all, and I am delighted to joining APG at such a strategic juncture. I am looking forward to being instrumental in their success."
(Jim Evans)
