Announces senior management appointments
TORONTO, Jan. 28 2008 – EW Disaster Kleenup L.P. announced today that it has changed its name to FirstOnSite Restoration L.P. and has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer and a Vice-President, National Sales and Marketing. Lyle Kerr, formerly President and Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed Chairman of the Board.
FirstOnSite’s new CEO is Ian Milne, 56. Mr. Milne has more than 35 years of experience in related businesses in Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, mostly with the Tyco Fire & Security division of Tyco International Ltd. He brings a deep knowledge of the construction and building systems service businesses and a proven track record of leadership and success that will help FirstOnSite to grow.
FirstOnSite’s new VP of National Sales and Marketing is Ken Zardo, 50. Mr. Zardo has almost 30 years of experience in sales and marketing, e-commerce and corporate and strategic planning. For the past 14 years he has worked in disaster restoration and the marketing of software for insurers. Mr. Zardo has a strong understanding of the needs of insurance brokers, insurance companies, independent adjusters and risk managers. He will lead the sales and marketing team and provide strategic guidance as FirstOnSite continues to develop service offerings for the benefit of customers and the Canadian insurance and risk management industries.
“The new name FirstOnSite more clearly reflects the nature of the company’s emergency response and restoration business and will help us to create a national brand,” said Mr. Kerr. “The addition of Ian and Ken to our senior management team will give us significant additional depth of operating experience. Ian is already very familiar with our business strategy and our people, having worked for us as a consultant since October 2007.”
Added Mr. Milne, “Our objective is to build strong relationships with national property insurers and corporate customers. As we continue to expand our footprint, we will provide even more benefit to our customers, and increase opportunities for our employees. Large insurers and corporations operating from coast to coast want consistent service from restoration companies so it makes sense for them to deal with a company that has a national business scope, like FirstOnSite.”
Since early 2007 FirstOnSite has acquired operations in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. With more than $140 million in annual revenue and more than 700 direct employees in 24 cities and towns across Canada, FirstOnSite is rapidly emerging as a leader in the Canadian disaster recovery industry.
FirstOnSite is a full service restoration provider with expertise in water losses, document restoration, wind damage, fire and smoke damage, sewer backup, hurricane and tornado restorations, odour control, contents handling, drying, electronic repairs, mould remediation, asbestos remediation, petroleum spills, infection control and general contracting. FirstOnSite is majority-owned by TorQuest Partners Inc. of Toronto. www.firstonsite.ca.
