UK luxury vinyl flooring specialist Karndean Designflooring has announced the appointment of its first female managing director, Fleur Carson, from 1 October 2023.
Reporting to Karndean Holdings Ltd CEO Ed Perrin, Fleur will oversee the strategic direction and overall growth of the Karndean UK business in the residential and commercial market. With 25 years’ experience in the flooring industry, Fleur has spent the past five years as commercial sales director and more recently as VP of sales for Karndean UK.
As well as leading the opening of Karndean’s first commercial showroom in Clerkenwell, London, Fleur has been the driving force behind Karndean’s substantial growth in the commercial sector with sales increasing by nearly 50% since 2018. Earlier in her career, she has been responsible for key account management and strategic planning at Forbo Flooring Systems and Bonar Floors.
Fleur’s appointment follows the departure of long-standing managing director Paul Barratt, who after 11 successful years at the helm has decided to step down.
Ed Perrin, CEO of Karndean Holdings Ltd, said: “Paul's dedication to success has given the business solid foundations for our next stage of growth and we say a fond farewell.
“I’m thrilled to see Fleur take her next steps within the business to leading our UK Karndean business. Having celebrated our 50th anniversary this year, it’s the perfect time for Fleur to take the reins as we strive ahead with ambitious growth plans for 2024 including building a new state-of-the-art multimillion-pound BREEAM excellent warehouse.
“Fleur embodies Karndean’s dedication to its people and customers. Her passion for ensuring the brand maintains and delivers the very best luxury vinyl flooring products in the market and highest quality service has played a significant role in Karndean’s commercial success. Likewise, establishing and positioning Karndean as the leading strategic partner of choice for architects, interior designers, developers and contractors.
“We are confident that under Fleur’s expert leadership, Karndean will continue to be recognised as the UK’s leader in luxury vinyl flooring.”
Fleur Carson, managing director of Karndean Designflooring, said: “I’m truly honoured and excited to take on the role as managing director at Karndean UK, particularly during this crucial phase of growth. This appointment represents not only a significant milestone in my career but also a testament to Karndean’s commitment to recruiting, nurturing and developing talent within.
“Karndean’s long-standing passion for delivering beautiful luxury vinyl floors that are designed for living set it apart from other traditional flooring manufacturers. With dedicated teams and expertise throughout the business, Karndean is poised for growth and on-going innovation in flooring. This is particularly important as our customers expect meaningful and impactful flooring and that’s what we strive to deliver day to day.”
Founded in 1973 by Mike Walker, Karndean Designflooring is a global leader in flooring design with operations in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand.
