WALKER FILTRATION - Key Persons


Adam Wright

Job Titles:
  • Head of Commercial - CAGT
Head of Commercial, Adam Wright, joined the team in 2023 and is responsible for all commercial activities within the compressed air and gas treatment team. With over 30 years' experience in the industry and a passion for international trade, his customer focused style has helped develop business worldwide. Responsible for customer support, strategic regional expansion and the product portfolio, Adam's belief is that the customer comes first, second and third. Additionally, a hands-on approach and the personal touch are what builds strong, enduring business relationships.

Alix Bolton

Job Titles:
  • Group Head of HR
Alix joined us in 2023 and has held senior HR roles in the private sector spanning digital & tech, FMCG, professional services and utilities, and is keen on developing future fit people strategies, with a global reach. She is a graduate of Northumbria University with a first-class BA (hons) in Leadership & Management. Alix also holds postgraduate diplomas in Human Resource Management, Employment Law and executive leadership coaching. Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development, Alix frequently represents the region regarding work and the people agenda. Most recently, she has joined the North East England Chamber of Commerce as a Council Member and Chair of their Women's Advisory Board - driving diversity and gender equality in business across the North East.

Benjamin Laiweneek

Job Titles:
  • Senior Sales Manager / Senior Sales Manager, Benjamin Laiweneek, Is Responsible for Divisional Sales Activities in the Distribution and OEM Markets Performed by
Ben has been a member of Walker Filtration Inc.'s sales team since 2019, starting with the company as the Distribution Sales Manager. Including his experience at Walker, he boasts an 18 year history in the compressed air and gas industry, 12 of which have been in sales and leadership positions. He has been a critical member of our sales team thanks to his knowledge of our products and his openness to lead and learn from others. Ben's passion for customer service combined with his extensive industry knowledge will bring fresh, customer-oriented business solutions that help improve the overall functioning of the sales team.

Chris Willoughby

Job Titles:
  • Head of Operations
Chris brings over 20 years of operations experience, boasting a Six Sigma Black Belt for Process Improvement. Chris is also a chartered Engineer and holds a masters from Durham University's School of Engineering. This high-level of experience will be a crucial tool for providing a clear road map for the Operations function of Walker Filtration.

Ian Atherfold

Job Titles:
  • Territory Sales Manager
With more than 30 years' experience in the engineering sector, including more than 17 years specifically in the compressed air industry, Ian has an excellent understanding of the challenges faced by industry today. Having worked with all industry types, from manufacturing to mining, Ian has a strong background in thinking creatively to provide innovative solutions to resolve complex challenges.

James Zaczyk

Job Titles:
  • Operations Manager / Operations
Manager, James Zaczyk, leads all Supply Chain, Quality and Operational functions at Walker Filtration Inc. which services over 600 customers throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America. James has an extensive background in operations prior to joining the team at Walker Filtration. In his role at Walker Filtration, James aims to use his industry experience to identify opportunities for sustainable growth within the company while expanding his knowledge of the filtration industry. Overall, James is focused on providing world-class customer service, developing empowered staff, and driving efficiency through continuous improvement.

Johan Forstrop

Job Titles:
  • Group Business Controller / Group Business Controller, Johan Forstorp, Leads Groupwide Finance at Walker Filtration, As Well As Overseeing IT and Corporate Governance Matters
With over 16 Years of international experience in finance and controlling in manufacturing and customer center settings, Johan has a wealth of knowledge in how businesses operate and is an expert in helping them achieve their full potential. Adaptable, considered, and with an eye for detail, Johan is skilled at quickly understand the ‘big picture' and is passionate about empowering both people and businesses to develop and grow.

Michael Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Chief Design Officer
Chief Design Officer, Michael Thompson, plays a crucial role in delivering our strategic growth plan. Responsible for leading all aspects of the engineering team, Michael's primary focus is to drive the company's engineering strategy, research and development, and new product introduction. Michael brings 20 years of technical experience in various sectors to the company. Accustomed to leading large engineering teams and delivering complex projects, Michael and his team are dedicated to producing high standard engineering initiatives.

Molly Spaeder

Job Titles:
  • Group Marketing Manager
Group Marketing Manager, Molly Spaeder, is responsible for developing marketing strategies, cultivating client relationships and expanding the market share of Walker Filtration Group. With over ten years of experience in the Marketing and Business Development department at Walker Filtration Inc., Molly has a thorough understanding of the brand's presence and customers across the globe. In addition to her career experience in strategic market development, Molly holds an MBA from Gannon University. The primary focus of Molly and team is to build dynamic customer relationships and collaborate with customers on market initiatives and growth strategies.

Patrick Chiu

Job Titles:
  • Sales Account Manager
Sales Account Manager, Patrick Chiu, has worked extensively in the compressed air industry for more than 18 years and provides technical, sales and marketing support directly to our valued clients and distribution network. Having worked with all major compressor brands, Patrick's valuable experience extends to being heavily involved in developing and manufacturing innovations in compressed air products. Patrick is available to provide our clients with a range of consultative services including system planning, air audits and looking into solutions which provide customers with improved efficiencies in their air filtration systems.

Peter Cottle

Job Titles:
  • Head of Supply Chain and Logistics
Peter oversees all Supply Chain and Logistics activities for Walker Filtration, leading his team in the continued and ongoing development of our global sourcing strategy, procurement and logistics processes - ultimately, allowing us to better serve our customers. A Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, Peter has significant experience across all areas of the supply chain, and has a total of 15 years experience in the Compressed Air and Gas Industry. He is passionate about building a resilient and agile supply chain to support our customers and business.

Sharon Kemp

Job Titles:
  • General Manager
With more than 20 years' experience with Walker Filtration's Australian office, Sharon has been a key player in the growth of the company throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Simon Taylor

Job Titles:
  • General Manager
  • Formerly the General Sales Manager
Simon Taylor, formerly the General Sales Manager, is responsible for all divisional activities within the United States, Mexico, Central and South America. A natural leader, he will be responsible for managing the division's growing staff of 30 employees. As a dynamic sales and technical professional with over 24 years' experience, Simon has a strong background in thinking creatively to provide innovative solutions to generate new business opportunities and resolve complex challenges. Simon joined Walker Filtration Inc. in 2009 and has played a vital role in the expansion of Walker Filtration, Inc. in the US marketplace by placing his customer service focus at the forefront of his business strategy.

Simon Wise

Job Titles:
  • Vacuum Business Development Lead
Simon has worked in the filtration market for over 28 years, leading commercial and engineering departments that serve international markets and standards. A Chartered Engineer, Simon is a nominated BSI UK expert and member of various ISO committees for standards development for medical gas and compressed air. Simon is meticulous in his approach to all aspects of business, customer confidentiality and delivering high quality products and levels of service for our customers.

Stephen Bittle

Job Titles:
  • General Manager
General Manager, Stephen Bittle, is responsible for the strategy, planning and management of all Walker Filtration Group divisions, driving the full potential of the business and product development in line with customer needs.