Wade Beach appointed as Conair managing director

By James Wells

SYDNEY: Wade Beach – the current Retravision NSW merchandise manager and head of Retravision’s national portable appliance team – has been appointed as the new managing director of Conair Australia and New Zealand.

According to a statement distributed by outgoing managing director, Wendy Browne, Beach is expected to commence his new role on Monday 30 October.

Beach will work alongside Browne until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

Wade has over 17 years in the electrical industry with brands such as Panasonic, Tefal (distributor Zyliss), Braun and was the marketing director at Sunbeam in the late 1990s,” Browne said.

Browne incorporated Conair Australia in May 1995 and commenced trading in November of that year.

In mid-August, Browne announced she would resign from her position at the end of the year due to family and lifestyle reasons.

Conair Australia claims to be the second strongest hair appliance brand in the local market with its Conair and Vidal Sassoon branded products which are complemented by the Cuisinart food preparation brand and the Weight Watchers scales.

“It was time to go. I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life. Having said that, my decision was made easier by the fact that we now have a very strong senior management team in place, covering all aspects of the business.”

Beach joins existing Conair management including national sales manager – Lesley McLean and marketing manager – Peter Brewer.