By Martin Vedris

MELBOURNE: Sampford IXL today announced the resignation of its CEO, Martin Carter after just four months in the role and eight months in total at the company.

According to the statement from Sampford IXL, Carter indicated that the role did not fulfil his expectations and that he wished to pursue his career elsewhere. The statement advised that that Carter would leave the company during February.

Carter sensationally resigned from Miele Australia on 20 February 2007 — he had been at the company for eight years and was general manager – sales.

Carter then joined Sampford IXL on 18 June 2007 as group general manager. Then in September, Sampford IXL announced that the existing Paul Bridgeford, was retiring on 28 September after 20 years as managing director, and that Carter would replace him in the newly created role of CEO.

According to the statement from Sampford IXL today, Carter made a number of significant contributions during his time with the company, including the development of comprehensive sales and marketing campaigns to take forward Sampford IXL’s brand portfolio in 2008.

The statement went on to say that Carter’s contribution was evidenced earlier this week when Sampford IXL successfully launched the new range of Gaggenau luxury cooking appliances. Sampford IXL wanted to thank Carter for his contribution and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Malcolm Owens has been appointed acting CEO. Owens is currently general manager marketing and joined IXL in 2000. Owens has extensive industry experience and has worked closely with the cooking brands since the merger of Sampford & Staff and IXL Appliances 12 months ago.

“I look forward to the challenge and am excited about working in partnership with the Sampford IXL team, customers and suppliers to develop our excellent brands and to give both the company and products a high profile to drive our success,” Owens said.