Pictured above: Andrew Morris-Richardson

The Abacus Group has announced a new global leadership team, as well as the appointment of Andrew Morris-Richardson as the firm's new Group Managing Director; following Geoff Hall's retirement from the business.

Andrew Morris-Richardson, the new Group Managing Director said the changes reflected a new era for the firm, which has headquarters in Nottinghamshire in the UK as well as manufacturing operations in China and offices in Russia.

Having worked for the firm for over 22 years as Finance Director, Morris-Richardson is now responsible for overseeing all the Group's worldwide operations including Abacus Lighting Limited in the UK, Shanghai Abacus and Abacus Lighting LLC in Russia.

"Abacus is embarking on a new phase of growth and expansion and our new structure recognises the dynamism and enthusiasm that is required to take us on this new journey. With global growth, there comes inevitable challenges and the new leadership team will be working hard to ensure that the same passion for customer service, innovation, quality, delivery and sustainability remains at the heart of all our operations."

"Under the new global structure, Chris Welbourn will widen his main board role to that of Group Operations Director for UK & International Manufacturing Operations and John Lawson will join the board as Group Finance Director.

"Additions to the global leadership team include Kelly Herrick, who steps up as Global Marketing Director and Glyn Davis, who recently joined Abacus has been appointed as UK Exterior Lighting Sales Director. Tony Staten becomes Global Contracts Director, Andy Brannan becomes Global Information Technology Director and as Director of Lighting, Kelvin Austin is responsible for group-wide lighting development.

In addition, a range of new global management roles have been created to reflect the international focus of the business which will not only support Abacus's growth overseas but maintain the on-going profitability and success of our UK operation."

With 52 years of expertise, Abacus have developed a reputation for being one of the world's leading exterior lighting specialists offering the latest technology-based lighting solutions for projects ranging from road schemes, retail airports and major sports grounds. They recently unveiled the launch of a new global range of next-generation architectural, amenity and road low energy LED lanterns and floodlights and have a second phase planned for launch later this year.

A new factory will be opened in 2011 in the Fengxian District of Shanghai and Abacus has recently announced three new international partnerships in Belarus, Algeria and Abu Dhabi.

Andrew Morris Richardson said, "Abacus's mission statement is to 'Light The World Beyond Expectation'. With our passion, expertise and determination, we will continue to build our reputation on both the UK and global stage."