Taco Homan is the new Regional Sales Manager for Gates in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Supported by a strong and well-established sales team, he takes control of the aftermarket sales and marketing activities of one of the world's leading manufacturers of belts and tensioners.

His appointment follows the launch of the multi-ribbed Micro-V® Horizon belt for Auxiliary Belt Drive Systems (ABDS) at Automechanika, last year - one of the most significant developments in ABDS repair technology for many years. The Micro-V® Horizon belt has since been rolled out in markets throughout the world, markets where Taco Homan he has been acquiring extensive product knowledge with Gates for many years.

After over 15 years of key strategic management roles in the EU, Scandinavia, Africa and the Middle East, he has a deep understanding of sales trends and a reputation for developing innovative and successful marketing campaigns. He retains existing management roles for Gates in Scandinavia and the Benelux countries.

His UK and Irish responsibilities include business development with the main buying groups and major distributors such as FPS, as well as distribution specialists throughout Ireland such as Contract Distributors and Strongline Autoparts - both of which have operations in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.