Operations director becomes new MD
Paramount Interiors has had a change at board level with the promotion of Richard Jones to the position of managing director.
Mr Jones, previously operations director at the office interiors company, replaces Andrew Roberts, who has been in the position of managing director for the past two years and overseen record financial results during his time in charge.
Mr Roberts, who in September 2016 was made a director of Cardiff Parkway Developments (CPDL) along with his father Nigel Roberts, is moving to take up a full-time position with the new company, which is a partnership with international banking and asset management group Investec.
CPDL was established to create a new business park at St Mellons in Cardiff, centred on a new railway station which will service the business park. This will create a new park-and-ride facility for the capital and be part of the South East Wales Metro.
Andrew Roberts will take up the position of development director at CPDL and will be responsible for ensuring that the project remains on track for its estimated opening as a fully operational railway station in May 2020.
He said: “I am proud to have been at the helm of Paramount over the past two years, which has seen the company grow and achieve excellent results, as well as completing several prestigious projects such as the new General Dynamics facility in Merthyr Tydfil and the Royal Mint refurbishments.
“Cardiff Parkway was my father’s brainchild and it took a number of years to get the scheme into the Local Development Plan, which was no small achievement in itself.
“Since the development received approval from UK and Welsh governments to deliver the railway station, interest from the private sector has really gone up a gear and it’s become apparent that the project will require my undivided attention.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the team at Paramount, we have some fantastic people in the business, and I wish Richard the utmost success as he takes the company forward.”
Mr Jones, who has been with Paramount for just under 10 years and has worked in the interiors industry for over 20 years, said: “I am delighted to take up the position of managing director to help grow the business into key markets, such as Bristol and the South-West, the M4 corridor and the Midlands.
“We have always worked all over the UK, although naturally many of our projects are here in south Wales.
“Our vision is to become one of the UK’s leading office design, fitout and furniture companies, providing our clients with office environments that attract and retain the best people by keeping them productive and happy.
“Our recent new appointments to our design and sales teams, and our plans to recruit more sales staff, are part of our strategy to drive growth in the future.”
Nigel Roberts, who will remain as executive chairman of Paramount in addition to his role as chairman of Cardiff Parkway Developments, added: “Cardiff Parkway presents a major opportunity for the Cardiff region and I am delighted to welcome Andrew to the project fulltime.
“I also wish to congratulate Richard on his new role as managing director of Paramount.”