Laminex Welcomes a New General Manager

In the company’s 90th year, her appointment signals an exciting new chapter, as Leagh-Murray hopes to continue to elevate the brand with a focus on growth, sustainability, safety and diversity. During her tenure as general manager of sales and marketing, she spearheaded multiple new product launches, played an integral role in relaunching the Laminex Colour Collection, launching Laminex into the wall linings segment and introducing collaborations with designers, including Kennedy Nolan.

Leagh-Murray brings her passion for sustainability, growth, safety, customer service and diversity to the role. “We’ve been a category leader in terms of sustainability in the past, but I think there’s more we can do on that front,” she says. “I am very passionate about further improving our sustainability credentials and reducing waste. There are lots of opportunities to be kinder to the environment in the future.”

“We’ve been a category leader in terms of sustainability in the past … I’m very passionate about further improving our sustainability credentials and reducing waste.”

Similarly, the new GM hopes to continue Laminex’s growth. “We wanted to be bolder in our growth ambition and continue to be seen as a design and industry leader and icon, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with our materials and being first to market.” Part of this strategy is a focus on both the customer experience and work safety. “I hope to continue to service all our customers better, whether that be cabinetmakers, architects or homeowners,” she says. Continuing to provide a psychologically and physically safe workspace is also central to the business’s future.

Diversity is important to Leagh-Murray, especially as she is one of the few female leaders in the industry. “We’ve always been driving diversity at Laminex and I was a passionate advocate for diversity in my previous role.” With females making up more than 50 per cent of the sales and marketing team, Laminex is paving the way for gender inclusivity. However, Leagh-Murray hopes to move beyond just gender and create a more inclusive workplace. “We’re doing good things at Laminex on the diversity front,” she notes. “I’m looking forward to offering more part-time professional roles for people who don’t want to work full-time but are looking for meaningful roles.”

“We wanted to be bolder in our growth ambition and continue to be seen as a design and industry leader and icon, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with our materials.”

Commenting on the new appointment, Gareth O’Reilly, chief executive of Fletcher Building Australia (Laminex’s parent company), says: “Sacha has been an integral part of the Laminex senior leadership team for the past six years and is a well-respected, results-driven leader. With more than 20 years experience across building products, FMCG and consumer goods prior to joining Laminex in 2017, Sacha is well equipped to steer Laminex towards continued success and lead our growth strategies into this next chapter.”

The new appointment is an exciting step for Laminex – heralding the start of a new era for the brand. “I feel honoured to be part of the next chapter and to keep growing this business for the next 90 years and beyond,” says Leagh-Murray.

“I feel honoured to be part of the next chapter and to keep growing this business for the next 90 years and beyond.”