Steve Cairns has been appointed key account manager at the Leeds sales base of Bradford-based pneumatics specialist Thorite.

Mr Cairns, 27, joined the Laisterdyke-based firm as a school-leaver in 2003 from Woodkirk High School, Morley, as a warehouse operator at the Leeds sales and service centre. In 2005 he was promoted to purchasing assistant with responsibility for both the Leeds and Bradford centres, before a further step up to internal sales administrator in Leeds.

In 2009, Steve became key account manager for North East Yorkshire, a position he held for four years before becoming major account manager with sole responsibility for one of Thorite’s most important customers.

Steve said: “This is an exciting opportunity to utilise my experience and knowledge gained in previous roles to benefit our customers locally in Leeds on many levels.”