What distinguishes a successful business leader from an ordinary business owner? A short and simple response is to find creativity and profitability in the mundane. However, it’s much more than that when you look at it critically. Trailblazers have a unique perspective on the world. They effectively transformed novel concepts, things, and discoveries into something more valuable and alluring because they could see their potential.
Introducing Leonardo DE MURO, an inspiring business leader and Vice President of RAK Ceramics, who is an astounding entrepreneur scaling a niche in the industry. His venture, RAK Ceramics, is one of the largest ceramics brands in the world and has established itself as a leader in the manufacture of ceramics for bathroom fixtures, flooring, and wall coverings.
Leonardo DE MURO, a seasoned professional with excellent organizational abilities, has extensive expertise in managing the sales network and collaborators, launching new markets, and expanding existing markets. Although he has accomplished intense and immersive stints in sales, he was working for a leading company in the production of catering equipment. Returning from a business trip, he had the pleasure of meeting the sales director of Pastorelli Ceramiche, and in a few months, Leonardo found himself in an entirely different sector, which he has never left.
RAK Ceramics – In a Glance
RAK Ceramics has become a world reference in the production of ceramics for floor and wall coverings and bathroom furnishings because it never stops seeking innovation in products and systems. Unglazed porcelain, ceramics, sanitary ware, furnishings, and accessories under one great concept Imagine your space offering all clients ongoing lifestyle solutions.
The RAK Ceramics brand is gaining increasing strength and recognition in European and world markets, especially for the company’s strong ability to experiment, produce, and distribute hi-tech innovations for contract, residential, and commercial projects.
They include the most recent ceramic technologies developed in R&D labs, such as ORBIT 3Rs, Klima, and Absolute Matt, as well as the creation of big slabs in an enormous format.
“During the pandemic, we were the first to suggest antibacterial solutions, and we just unveiled the RAK Ceramics Smart Factory, which combines automation and IoT technology to modernize the production of tiles and satisfy our clients’ changing needs. Our factory, which is outfitted with the newest equipment and technology, optimizes production, lowers waste, and improves product quality, said the forward-thinking executive.
From the Founder’s Desk
I enjoy working with curious people, and when I connect with someone, I give them the freedom to make suggestions, come up with new ideas, make mistakes, and learn from them. Although I have worked in my field for a long time, I am constantly learning new things because of the benefits that a trustworthy relationship provides me.
I am lucky enough to work for a multinational group with more than 12,000 employees of 40 different nationalities, where gender or social background matters less than personal skills and merit.
Impact of the Pandemic on RAK Ceramics
Indeed, the epidemic has had an impact on the entire industry, but it has also given businesses the chance to experiment with new products and business models. Less than a month after the lockdown, RAK Ceramics was the first company in the world to introduce a virtual showroom. Instead of cutting back on meetings with its global branches, they have made use of remote work to boost them. Surprisingly, they have performed better during times of crisis management by being more active and effective. They have also introduced total novelties like Rak-Sanit, a line of 99.9% effective antibacterial tiles, slabs, and bathroom accessories. Of course, the pandemic provided a chance to reconsider how they tackle global issues and how to catch the primary adversaries off guard with fresh, more potent strategies.
The Hurdles Along the Way
At RAK, innovation and design are equally valued, and the marriage of these two components ensures the production of modern, high-quality pieces. The company debuted an innovative on-demand 3D printing production system last month at the ISH exhibition in Frankfurt. It is a development of digital technology used in washbasins and was developed in the group’s labs. shorter delivery times, the ability to produce even one piece to the architects’ specifications, and a reduction in material waste due to the addictive nature of the process.
Definition of Success
To be aware of one’s success is to look back. Leonardo likes to think that he has never reached it and that he continues to look ahead, looking for personal success every day in what he does.
Characteristics of a Successful Leader
Nothing is more powerful than setting a positive example for others to emulate. People in positions of leadership must constantly take the initiative and engage in first-person narratives. In an effort to direct all the energies in the proper directions—which only experience allows you to trace—young talents contribute fresh ideas, and managers bring their stories and make them available to their teams.
“We must always be consistent in the choices we make. Apologizing for something you are convinced of is a sign of weakness.” Leonardo DE MURO
The Future Outlook
The company opened its first Design Hub last year, measuring 700 square meters, in Clerkenwell, a design hub in London, with the intention of providing architects and interior designers with a showroom with global specifications.
“As happened for 2022, I would like to end 2023 with financial results that set a new record.” “The urge to tackle fresh subjects, like taps and dinnerware, on which the group is giving me the chance to prove myself, is one of the objectives I’ve set for myself,” shared Leonardo.
“There are numerous practical projects for architecture and settings that demonstrably highlight the enormous potential of RAK Ceramics products. We will launch in Dubai very soon, and after that, we’ll consider establishing a physical presence in another major city for architecture and design”, he further added.