After 12 years at the helm of the Rapid Group, Bruce Lees has chosen to stand down from his position as general manager.
During Lees’ tenure as general manager, the RapidClean group of independently owned cleaning supply businesses has experienced a sustained period of growth, including an expansion from 20 stores to more than 70 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand. RapidClean has also enjoyed double digit sales growth for 10 consecutive years.
Lees, who has purchased a cleaning supply store in Hervey Bay, Queensland, said leading RapidClean for the past 12 years has been a huge privilege.
“RapidClean members own their stores and genuinely care about their customers, and I have sincere admiration for all of them. I will miss my daily contact with our RapidClean members, our preferred suppliers, our key accounts, and I will especially miss my head office team who are passionate RapidClean people and have performed brilliantly, especially over the past few trying years,’ said Lees.
“To everyone that has trusted me and offered me their support, I would like to thank you very much, I am very grateful.”
David Thyne, chairman of the Rapid Group, said Lees has been an outstanding leader for RapidClean over the past 12 years.
“During his term RapidClean has grown from a few members and suppliers doing business together into a National supplier in Australia and New Zealand of cleaning and washroom products as well as machinery.
“Bruce’s passion for the RapidClean brand and supporting our members will long be remembered. Bruce is stepping away from the General Managers role after purchasing a RapidClean members store in Queensland which he will run with the same passion and enthusiasm,” Thyne said.
“On behalf of the RapidClean board, members and suppliers I would like to sincerely thank Bruce. He should be enormously proud of what he has achieved during his time with RapidClean and we are all delighted that he will remain part of the Rapid family.
“We now look to the future, and what an exciting future it is for RapidClean.”
Thyne said the Rapid Group board has moved quickly to begin a search for a quality leader with the experience and industry knowledge to build on the strong foundation Lees has built.
“The Rapid Group has sound financials, great geographical coverage, significant collated buying power, and strong marketing. We are in the process of seeking an extremely competent and capable leader and have employed an executive agency to ensure that our group will continue to thrive and succeed.
“If you believe that you are the person that we are looking for then please contact our executive agent Geoff Curran, geoffc@gerard-daniels.com “.
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