OT Group sharpens senior team with pair of new positions

Its new head of digital solutions and a business solutions manager bring 50+ years of collective experience, as the firm aims to offer over one million products to customers by the end of 2022 – and three million by the end of 2023.

Experienced industry professional Paulene Samuels joins the team as head of digital solutions, armed with 32 years of industry knowledge. Having helped with the consolidation of Office Depot Europe’s ecommerce team, Paulene has moved to OT Group to drive forward the firm’s next chapter of growth.

“My role will be to define the digital roadmap for OT Group,” explained Paulene. “I’m here to encourage collaboration between departments while being the voice of the customer – understanding their ever-evolving needs and how that translates into development and innovation for our digital solutions.

“While I am new to OT Group, there are some familiarities within the unfamiliar, and I’m looking forward to working alongside everyone within the business to drive our offering forward – delivering solutions that are effective, efficient, and enjoyable to use.”

Meanwhile, newly-appointed business solutions manager, Emma Foster, will spearhead the charge to take OT Group’s online product range to its three million SKU ambition as part of its place on Crown Commercial Service’s tail spend framework – as well as its commitment to drive innovation within the dealer community.

Based in OT Group’s Ashton-under-Lyne head office, Emma has previously worked with companies, suppliers, and exports worldwide, and brings 20 years of process and project management experience.

Speaking about her new challenge, Emma said: “The beauty of this role is no one held it before me – so I have a completely clean slate to build a strategy based on the business needs. It’s a really exciting time to join the group – with lots of change on the horizon, and it’s good to be a part of the evolution of OT Group.

“I’m originally from a technology background, so I’m keen to explore other service opportunities for OT Group, in order to improve customer experience and retention while driving the wider business vision. There is great opportunity within the organisation at present, with lots of change, upheaval, and process updates – I’m thrilled to have a role in the next chapter.”