CLEVELAND, JANUARY 18, 2023 — Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, today announced the promotion of Paul McKay to Vice President, Canada. In his new role, McKay will now lead the daily operations of Belanger (Tubular Industries of Canada), in addition to his existing responsibility for G.F. Thompson and Oatey Canada SCS.
“Paul is a proven leader within the Oatey organization and in our Canadian operations,” says Michelle Newland, Executive Vice President, and Chief International Business Officer. “Leveraging his strong leadership and team-building skills, I am confident Paul will drive business growth as we continue to invest in Belanger and our operations in Canada.”
In a separate announcement, National Showroom Sales Manager Christen Allen will now lead tile showroom sales in addition to the kitchen and bath market, serving as Sales Manager, Showroom and Tile Sales.
In her expanded role, Allen will nurture relationships with tile showrooms on behalf of Oatey and L.R. Brands, which includes QuickDrain shower solutions and the 1916 Collection, featuring the new Freestanding Tub Drain. The change reflects Oatey’s commitment to further serving the tiler and increasing access to its
Allen joined Oatey last September after nearly 13 years with Elkay Manufacturing Co, prior to which she also served as a showroom manager at Ferguson Enterprises Inc. She also served several years on the ASA Executive Council for Woman in Industry.
“Christen brings a very strong pedigree in the bath and kitchen showroom space to Oatey,” says Patrick Aquino, Oatey Vice President of Sales, Wholesale. “She understands that world so well, we quickly realized that she was the right person to lead our efforts to expand and deepen our presence in tile showrooms. Her leadership skills and business acumen, along with the synergies between the tile and plumbing verticals, will help spur our growth in the tile space.”
Allen is a graduate of Georgetown University with a B.S. in Business Administration and Management. She is based in Louisville, KY.