Asphalt Group, the pavement performance specialists, have appointed Stephen Cooke as managing director. Stephen picks up the baton from outgoing MD Howard Cooke, who founded the business twenty years ago.
Under Stephen’s leadership, Asphalt Group will continue to be the experts in providing sustainable and safe solutions that extend the life of asphalt and protect the environment. As specialist suppliers and installers, Asphalt Group offer three main solutions, namely: Reinforcement, Preservation and Surface Dressing. These solutions work together sustainably, whilst reducing maintenance and whole lifecycle costs.
Speaking about his new role, Stephen said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of managing director at Asphalt Group. We are a company with a great heritage and reputation in the industry, with fantastic foundations laid by Howard Cooke over the last twenty years. We have a very exciting future, and I look forward to leading the team as we continue to grow and develop our business.”
Having started his career in finance and accountancy, Stephen has a wealth of experience in strategic planning, business development, and team management. Asphalt Group has been a part of Stephen’s, and his family’s, life for the past two decades and he has experience working across all areas of the business.
Working his way up to be operations manager by 2017, he then embraced the role of commercial manager, before being invited to join the board as director in 2020. As Asphalt Group looks to the future, Stephen’s focus will be on continuing to grow the company whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service, as he aims to make the business more sustainable.
Stephen Cooke continued: “I am looking forward to writing the next chapter in our story. We work closely with our clients and will continue to encourage early collaboration to allow for timely interventional value for money. Our strategy is to prioritise making sustainable choices when given the opportunity and we are working towards making our business carbon neutral.”
Stephen takes over from outgoing MD, his father Howard Cooke, who is stepping down as the Group’s managing director. Howard will remain involved with Asphalt Group as a non-executive director.
Commenting on the appointment, Howard said: “Businesses need to adapt to thrive, and I am confident that under Stephen’s leadership, Asphalt Group will go from strength to strength. I am delighted that he will be taking over the reins to lead a young and dynamic team, hungry to continue our success as the premium deliverer of innovative asphalt solutions.”
Asphalt Group collaborates with all parties to strengthen the links between risk, resilience, and the best asset management of the UK’s road network. They understand the importance of cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and longevity to their clients. With years of experience in the Asphalt industry, Stephen is well-placed to lead Asphalt Group into its next phase of growth.
We wish him all the best in his new role!
