Harald de Maillard joined the Abus European management team as divisional sales director for European accounts in January.
Based in France, Mr de Maillard has broad international experience in all aspects of the DIY retail industry and fast-moving consumer goods, with specific focus on new product development and new business building.
He will aim to create significant new business bridges between Abus and major UK DIY and builders merchants groups.
Abus UK sales director David Hudson said: "Harald brings us both experience and expertise in a sector of the UK market never really exploited by Abus. Our successful work with the independent sector can only benefit from the brand building and market share that Harald's work in the UK may bring us. He is an invaluable asset to the Abus team."