Get-to-know your regional Glasurit contact

In this edition, we will catch up with Phil Mcgough, Business Development Manager, who will tell us how he started his career in the car refinish industry, his interests, hobbies, and role & responsivities as a BDM for Glasurit.

Would you please tell our readers about how you started your career in the automotive refinish industry?

As a young lad, I was always interested in cars. I had an enjoyable habit of pulling things apart and putting them back together and, of course, sometimes without success. So, my parents were not too surprised when I started my Apprentice paint technician role back in 1989. I consider myself very fortunate to have been surrounded by some great people that helped my progression through the Collison industry. From achieving my ATA paint accreditation progressing through the sectors of Bodyshop control operations, Vehicle damage assessing into Bodyshop management.

I started my career path in the Middle East in 2015. Before joining the BASF team in the region, I have been in various senior Regional Bodyshop Management roles for Ford, Mercedes and Toyota / Lexus covering Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

What are your personal interests and hobbies?

I have always enjoyed sports, played football for many years. As a youngster competed for Sunderland harriers in cross country running and competed for England at the international catholic schools cross country. I continue to take a lot of enjoyment with my running and keeping myself active. Apart from this, I enjoy Cricket, NFL and Formula One. My footballing days are behind me, so just starting to learn Golf. Let’s see how that goes…socializing with family and friends is very important to me. I enjoy many different types of music and live music festivals, love to travel.

Could you tell us about your role?

I am responsible for the growth of our premium brands in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. Develop and maintain long-term business with new and existing accounts and distributors. Plan and execute market and customer strategy per country segment by working proactively with respective distribution partners to ensure that we deliver the highest level of customer service.

What do you most enjoy about your role at BASF?

As very much a people person and very passionate about our industry, I greatly enjoy visiting many different Bodyshop operations across the GCC. Engaging with them in a debate about the collision industry and how we are trying to ensure safety and quality is a must for our customers.

One of the main reasons that attracted me to new employment at BASF was my knowledge of the existing team from my time in the Middle East. We have such a diverse and committed group, always looking to improve and push each other for success. We have ten different nationalities in this truly fantastic team that brings a unique spirit, something I am very proud to be part of.