Kevin Swann (left) and Kevin Restell
Swann replaces Kevin Restell, who is retiring after more than 25 years with Kentec’s parent company, Hochiki.
He brings 28 years of experience in the fire sector to the role, notably being influential in the development of Apollo’s protocol standard. More recently he had a spell at UTC Fire and Security as managing director (Global) and, before that, regional manager for UK and Ireland, responsible for international growth.
Restell will be a formidable act to follow given that turnover has risen 54% and its manufacturing capacity has doubled under his six-year stewardship – but Swann appears unfazed.
“It means we have the perfect platform to make Kentec the world leader in open-protocol and multi-protocol fire detection panels, as well as the first choice for fire extinguishing panels with our robust and industry-leading Sigma XT and Syncro XT technologies,” he said.
“My immediate priority will be on focusing the business on how we can make life even better for our customers, installers and partners, while maintaining our hallmark production quality.”
Kevin Restell joined Kentec when it was acquired by Hochiki in 2012 and oversaw its absorption into the large global corporation.
“Kentec is an end-to-end manufacturer, with everything sold being made in the UK,” he said. “The ongoing investment in production processes and factory expansion has not only allowed the company to grow and expand our reputation for quality life safety systems, but is also a fantastic story for the wider UK manufacturing industry.
“I am leaving the company in very good hands and wish Kevin the very best of luck.”
The appointment coincides with the centenary of Hochiki, which was founded in Japan in 1918, and the development of the latest iteration of its Taktis fire panel.
“Taktis is the only open-protocol and multi-protocol panel, and is building significant momentum in the marketplace globally,” said Swann. “The panel is future-proofed and will continue to evolve with a highly impressive road map of additional functions and features.”
Kentec sells its products into 90 countries worldwide and employs more than 230 employees at its production facility, head office and R&D department in Kent.
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