Great People at GWA
GWA Group Limited
A company on a journey... Great people. Great brands. Making life better!
History + Innovation + People
GWA Group has a long history of dedication to innovation which goes all the way back to 1886. We are proud of our Australian and New Zealand heritage, innovative spirit, iconic market-leading brands such as Caroma, Methven, Dorf, and Clark, and importantly - our inclusive culture. We're committed to creating an environment where our people can bring their true selves to work and have the opportunity to thrive and grow. We embrace diversity, nurture inclusivity and prioritise wellbeing for a truly caring culture which is embodied by our cultural pillars: We are One Team, We are Customer Focused, and We Care for Each Other. We live these values daily, to us they are more than just words, they are our way of life.
Water Sustainability
Our commitment to water sustainability, customer first values, and community engagement creates a ripple effect of positive impact - we design our products with the goal of protecting essential water resources for future generations.
With a focus on water conservation, our team of experts is committed to creating innovative, high-quality solutions for varied markets including residential and commercial spaces that support and promote sustainability.
Some of our best-known innovations include:
Our People
We recently caught up with Emma Jayne Foster our Head of Marketing and Product for our UK business, Methven UK Limited .
What originally attracted you to join Methven over 20 years ago, and what has kept you here over the years?
Over 23 years ago, fresh out of school, I was working for a double-glazing company on split shifts with a long commute. Through family connections, I heard about an opportunity at what was then Deva, and I nervously landed an interview for a sales department role. I’ll admit it wasn’t the smoothest start! I even got lost trying to find the mill, but a kind stranger on the bridge walked me to the door.
That first impression of kindness set the tone for what I’ve experienced ever since.
What started as a six-month maternity cover quickly turned into something much bigger. I was drawn into the Deva family culture - one that was warm, supportive, and full of camaraderie. Over the years, I’ve taken on various roles and challenges, and while there have been tough times, the strong sense of connection and “family feel” has always been constant. Professionally, I’ve been inspired by the incredible people I’ve worked with, from colleagues to managers, who have supported my growth and fostered my passion for the business.
I’ve recently stepped stepping into a Head of Department role and becoming a female voice on the senior management team is incredibly exciting.
It feels like this is my time to give back, to help shape the future, and to continue the legacy of the incredible culture that first made me fall in love with this company. It’s been an amazing journey, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of a business that truly feels like home.
How have you seen the company and industry evolve since you started, and what role have you played in that journey?
The brassware industry has changed significantly over the years, and I’ve had a front-row seat to its evolution. When I first joined, the focus was heavily on functionality and reliability. While those are still core values, the market has become far more design-driven, with a greater emphasis on style, innovation, and sustainability. Customers expect a blend of aesthetics and performance now, which has transformed the way we operate. Deva, as the company was known when I started, was a dominant player in the market a powerhouse in brassware that had built strong relationships and a solid reputation. Over time, the industry landscape became more competitive, and we faced challenges that pushed us to adapt and innovate. Joining the Methven family marked a significant step forward, bringing in new expertise, cutting-edge designs, and a strong focus on customer experience.
The acquisition by the GWA Group has been a transformative milestone in this journey. It’s allowed us to combine our rich heritage with the resources and global reach of a larger organisation. This has strengthened our ability to innovate, grow, and meet the evolving demands of the market.
Throughout all this change, my role has been to embrace these shifts and contribute to the company's progression. I've worked in various departments, gaining insights that helped me support our adaptation to new challenges, and I’ve always been focused on playing my part in Methven’s success.
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Today, as part of the senior management team, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to uphold our heritage while helping to drive us forward.
It’s been incredible to witness the industry’s transformation and to see how Methven has not only kept pace but positioned itself for future success. I’m proud to have been part of this journey and excited for what’s ahead.
Having held numerous roles at Methven in your 20+ years, ?what unique perspectives have you gained, and how have those experiences shaped your approach to work?
Over my 23 years at Methven, the variety of roles I’ve taken on has given me a unique, well-rounded perspective on the business. Each position offered new challenges and opportunities to learn, shaping how I approach work today.
Starting in the sales office, I gained a customer-first mindset, understanding how to listen, solve problems, and build trust. When I temporarily stepped into a sales role on the road, covering for a colleague, I learned the importance of adaptability and resilience. Representing Methven directly with customers was both eye-opening and rewarding and showed me how every conversation and relationship can impact the bigger picture. Later, when I managed a major customer account, I honed my skills in relationship building and collaboration. By fostering trust and communication, I was able to help grow the account and strengthen our partnership. This experience reinforced how critical long-term relationships are to success in this industry.
Moving into purchasing alongside opened up a whole new side of the business for me. I developed a deep appreciation for the complexities of the supply chain and how it’s the backbone of delivering on customer promises. I saw firsthand how important planning, negotiation, and problem-solving are to keeping the business running smoothly, especially during challenging times.
From there, I transitioned into a role in quality, where I focused on data integrity and industry legislation. I managed WRAS and TMV approvals and became deeply conscious of how our products need to be designed and protected to guard against risks like Legionella. This role gave me a technical appreciation for the standards we uphold and the importance of product safety and compliance in everything we do.
Eventually, I moved into New Product Development, where I had the opportunity to work on innovation and design. This was a pivotal role, bridging the gap between technical excellence and customer expectations.
Now, as Head of Marketing and Product, I’m expanding my skill set further, diving into the marketing side of the business. I’m incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing team - we work so closely together that we’re constantly learning and developing from each other. It’s a truly collaborative environment, and it’s one of the reasons I love what I do. Each of these roles have shaped my approach to work. I’ve learned to stay adaptable, think strategically, and always prioritise collaboration. I know how vital every team member’s contribution is, and I carry a deep appreciation for the people and processes that keep Methven moving forward.
My journey has also reinforced the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. With every challenge I’ve taken on, I’ve gained new skills and a broader perspective, allowing me to approach my current role with a holistic view and a focus on fostering teamwork and growth.
What advice would you give to new employees about building a long, fulfilling career within the company?
My advice would be to embrace every opportunity that comes your way, even if it feels outside of your comfort zone. Methven is a place where you can grow, learn, and challenge yourself in ways you never expected. Take the time to understand how different parts of the business work together, build strong relationships, and never underestimate the value of collaboration.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance there’s always someone willing to help, and you’ll find that the more you learn from others, the more rewarding your journey becomes.
The sense of family here is one of the things that has kept me around for over 23 years, and it’s something that will support you every step of the way.?
Oh, and if you really want to thrive, come and work in the Marketing/Product team we’re?definitely?the best team at Methven UK! But seriously, find a role and a team that inspires you and makes you excited to come to work every day. When you love what you do and the people you do it with, the rest will fall into place.
Interested in joining us?
We can’t wait to meet you! All our roles are advertised on our Careers Page, and you can also find them here on LinkedIn and on Seek.
See a role but not sure you ‘tick all the boxes’? Don’t let that put you off applying - we’re always keen to hear from enthusiastic, talented people and we truly value passion, potential, and a willingness to learn.