Meet Darryl Hudson

Career Story and Leadership at AGA Rangemaster

As the Group Operations Director at AGA, they look after a variety of areas. Their responsibilities range from overseeing distributions worldwide to acquiring components from different parts of the world to aid in manufacturing at the distribution center in Leamington Spa. They are also actively involved in customer service and technical aspects. Having worked at AGA for 23 years, they continue to thrive and make significant contributions to the company.

Meet Darryl Hudson

Career Story and Leadership at AGA Rangemaster

As the Group Operations Director at AGA, they look after a variety of areas. Their responsibilities range from overseeing distributions worldwide to acquiring components from different parts of the world to aid in manufacturing at the distribution center in Leamington Spa. They are also actively involved in customer service and technical aspects. Having worked at AGA for 23 years, they continue to thrive and make significant contributions to the company.

How has your career developed over the years?

I joined as a temp for a data processing job, got taken on into the accounts team, picked up extra responsibilities within that team and then three years later there was an opportunity to become the manager of the call centre which was a change for me. I got involved in that and then over the years I continued to pick up additional responsibility and moved into other areas. I am involved with the call centre again which is a testament to what happens here – there is always an opportunity to get involved in different areas, as the business grows and changes, so do you and your responsibilities.

What is it about the AGA culture that makes opportunities possible?

There is an element of hard work and a willingness to get involved in new challenges that will push you. If you are hardworking and open to do things that are not in your normal area of expertise or knowledge, that are a bit out of your comfort zone then the opportunities will present themselves for you to get involved in new areas.

Darry Hudson (3)

How is AGA as a traditional business changing and reflecting new generations, new ways of cooking and bringing out new products?

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We are innovating in our product line and always looking for people with interesting ideas and solutions. We like to recruit people who are able to think outside of the box and bring new ideas to solve contemporary issues.

When I joined the business electric cookers were a very small part of what we did now it’s the majority of what we do. We have had to find new and innovative ways to make that happen and that’s where the people come in. Our products are renowned for great cooking, there is a lot of creativity that goes into creating that AGA experience. Changing the fuel source for example could change the cooking experience as the cooker would work differently using different types of fuel sources. We have to make sure that any changes are only improvements.

We are heavily involved in HVO (using alternative fuel types like using vegetable oil) to run some of our cookers as well. Our customers appreciate our efforts as we respond to the changes.

Darry Hudson (2)
Darry Hudson (1)

As a member of the senior management team what type of culture and future are you hoping to build for new employees?

The product speaks for itself, the brand has been around for a long time but what sets us apart is the people. It is about focussing on people and the career paths they want as the opportunities present themselves. We can have a great product but to make it a great experience you need a good person whether that’s in the manufacturing of that product or helping to deliver it or dealing with the aftercare side, it is the people that make the difference, that’s where our focus is.

 

What type of personalities and attributes in people are you hoping to get from people who join AGA?

Definitely individuals that are hard working with an openness and willingness to change – the market place is always changing, businesses have to keep reacting to the changes. My own career journey reflects on the need to be able to embrace change and accept that the requirements for the business this year might be slightly different to next year as it responds to what is happening outside of this environment. It means you need a real openness to get involved with new things.

Darry Hudson (6)

What is the best thing about working for AGA?

It is the people. It’s such a great environment, there is always something different to do here. It’s the way that everybody embraces change and works across their boundaries. Anybody can get involved in anything they want to if they’ve got something to contribute and that is what makes it a great place to work. It is the variety, working with different people with different perspectives on the problem which makes work enjoyable. Every day is new and stimulating.

 

What do you like to do outside of work

I have a real passion for music, even though I don’t play an instrument or sing, luckily my children can, so I enjoy watching them. I go and see bands 2/3 times a month, I like watching sports and I also enjoy doing things with my family and surprise…I enjoy cooking!

How do you manage your work/life balance?

AGA has definitely helped me with creating a healthy work/life balance especially in recent times as we have embraced hybrid working as a business. I like coming into the office at least two or three times a week because I appreciate that separation between working from home and the office. Although it also means I can work from home when I have something I need to do that evening and I don’t need to contend with traffic. I appreciate the balance.

What is next for you? What does the future at AGA hold for you?

I’m always looking forward to getting involved in new things that we have not done before. We are working on some really exciting projects that we believe is significantly going to transform the business going forward. I enjoy the challenge it is giving me.

We are also owned by a bigger company called Middleby and connected to other sister companies who bring lots of new opportunities and perspectives on what we are doing. So there is always something new to do and get involved in – almost on a weekly basis.

Is this a good time to join AGA?

Without a doubt. This is a fantastic time to join AGA and be part of the new generation employees and new products.
We’ve got such a great product range at the moment and there is plenty more around the corner. There are also plenty more opportunities to get involved in so yes, it’s a fantastic time to join. I’ve been here for a while and it still is an exciting and interesting place for me to work in.

Interested in job opportunities at AGA Rangemaster?

``Since joining AGA, it has been great. The team is lovely and everyone is keen to help and get stuck in. The environment is friendly and there's always lots going on, making it an exciting place to work.``
``Since joining AGA, it has been great. The team is lovely and everyone is keen to help and get stuck in. The environment is friendly and there's always lots going on, making it an exciting place to work.``
``AGARangemaster is a progressive company that is striving to improve all the time.``