Robert Harley promoted to Sodastream UK Sales Director

Robert Harley has been appointed as sales director of SodaStream UK. Harley joined the UK team in December 2014 as a national account manager. After an exciting year at SodaStream UK, he now takes the helm as sales director for the UK and he will take responsibility for developing the UK sales strategy at an incredibly exciting time for the business.

2016 has seen SodaStream embark upon its first TV advertising campaign in four years, as part of a £2m media spend that incorporated PR and digital activities. The TV advertising centred on SodaStream’s ‘more refreshment, less lugging’ message, which has also been successfully implemented in other parts of Europe.

The results have been impressive and have resulted in SodaStream sparkling water maker sales of +52% YOY in the first half of 2016. This success in the sparkling water maker category has also been mirrored by double digit growth in CO2 gas refills and consumables.

Harley commented: “I’m thrilled to be taking on my new role at such an exciting time for SodaStream UK. The growth delivered as a result of this year’s TV advertising campaign, new retailers and existing partners puts us in a really strong position. I look forward to continuing to drive our sales and marketing strategy as we head into 2017 with an ambitious business plan.”

Harley has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the UK retail environment having worked in sales for many years. He began his career with the heritage brand Raleigh Bicycles before moving to work within baby products at Graco as part of Newell Rubbermaid, the global consumer goods company. Harley then went on to work in licensing for some of the best known children’s character brands at Blueprint Collections.