Zentia welcomes Gert van Doormalen as new Managing Director
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Gert van Doormalen as its new Managing Director. With an extensive background in the interior fit-out industry, Gert brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to the company.
A New Chapter with Zentia
Excited to start his new chapter with Zentia, Gert is drawn by the opportunity to work with a young and agile brand. Evolved from Armstrong Ceilings, Zentia boasts a legacy of over 100 years in the ceiling industry, and Gert was attracted to working with a brand that had such industry expertise. He is driven by his passion for working with people and managing the complexities of streamlining the change process that Zentia has undergone.
A Distinguished Career Path
Gert approaches his role with a deep understanding of the industry, having worked in the sector for over 30 years. He recognises that ceiling tiles significantly influence how a space functions according to an architect’s vision, particularly regarding acoustical performance.
Gert van Doormalen’s journey in the industry began in the 1990s, working with Desso in the Netherlands, where he focused on specification sales for the non-residential market. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Sales Director for Benelux before leaving in 1999. Gert then took on the role of Managing Director for Saint-Gobain Ecophon, expanding his responsibilities to Western Europe and by 2008 he was overseeing the entire Ecophon Group. This role took him to Sweden, and in 2015, he moved to Paris to serve as Director of Procurement, Sales, and Marketing for Saint-Gobain Building Distribution. After a brief time in the automotive industry, Gert moved to England in 2020 to become CEO of SAS International.
Looking to the Future
Gert brings a strong belief in direct internal and external communication. This includes distributors, ceiling contractors, architects, and general contractors. As a result, it’s common for Gert to be on the road for days at a time, travelling with the sales force.
When asked to encapsulate Zentia in three words, Gert chose service, reliability, and quality – attributes he is committed to upholding as the new Managing Director. Looking ahead, he aims to expand the business by introducing groundbreaking, innovative, and sustainable products that will make a significant impact on the ceiling industry.
With Gert van Doormalen at the helm, Zentia is set for a future of innovation, and growth, continuing to set industry benchmarks.