How It Started
Pittman® was founded over fifty years ago in 1966 by George Pittman, originally supplying textile equipment. In the early 2000s, the business diversified into traffic and safety products in response to the growing need for specialist safety solutions that help protect people, buildings and public spaces. GH Pittman Limited was incorporated in 2004, and in 2008 the company moved to Athy, marking another important milestone in its growth.
Now part of the Bunzl Group, Pittman® is a trusted supplier of modular rubber traffic calming systems, bicycle storage and bollards. Our unrivalled range of speed bumps, bollards and bike racks, combined with a highly trained and dedicated team, ensures customers across Europe receive expert advice and the best solutions for their needs.
Brendan’s Impact
As Brendan retires, we take the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable impact he has had on the company. As Managing Director, Brendan was far more than a leader in title, he was a mentor, an inspiration and a driving force behind Pittman’s growth. From the outset, he had a clear vision to make Pittman the leading eCommerce supplier in Europe for specialist traffic and safety equipment. That vision remains very much alive today and continues to guide us.
Brendan led Pittman through significant challenges, from Brexit to the Covid pandemic, always with courage, focus and careful preparation. He had an exceptional ability to adapt, make tough decisions and pivot when needed, always thinking ahead.
A lifelong learner, Brendan believed strongly in continuous improvement. Whether returning from a course with new ideas or introducing changes that transformed how we worked, he constantly pushed the business and
the people within it to grow. His belief that progress comes from change is something we still live by today (even if it meant moving desks more times than we can count).
The Pittman Way
Above all, Brendan built strong foundations rooted in curiosity, care and customer focus. We will always remember to ask: Who is the customer? What problem is the customer trying to solve? And, of course, we’ll do our best to keep his office plants alive though that may be his toughest legacy yet.
It has been a privilege to share this journey with Brendan Pittman. His legacy lives on in the company he shaped, the people he inspired. As he steps into retirement, we carry the Pittman name forward proudly, honouring the vision, spirit and standards he set for us all.
A Night of Thanks and Looking Ahead
On the night, Brendan took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to his family, acknowledging the support that made his journey at Pittman possible. He paid special tribute to his wife, thanking her for her unwavering encouragement over the years and for being a constant sounding board for the business. Brendan shared how many product ideas and improvements were influenced by conversations at home, with her insight and perspective often shaping new ways of thinking within Pittman.
Brendan also spoke with real pride about his two daughters, who’ve spent many days working in Pittman over the years, a part of the journey that clearly meant a lot to him.
He gave a heartfelt thank you to Susan Kelly, Michael Cooke and Dave Molloy, recognising how closely they worked with him to help grow the business from the very early days. He made a special point of acknowledging Dave, Pittman’s longest-serving employee, who has been with the company for 16 years.
Brendan also took time to warmly praise everyone across the warehouse, operations, and sales & marketing, sharing how grateful he is for the dedication and teamwork that’s shaped Pittman into what it is today.
He ended on a hopeful note, saying he feels genuinely comfortable stepping back knowing the company is in capable hands under the new leadership of Greg Maher, and that he’s excited to watch the company continue to grow and thrive with Greg guiding the next chapter of Pittman.
Director of Growth & Strategy, Greg Maher;
“I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with Brendan since I joined in July of this year. Even in that relatively short period, it has been clear just how influential he has been in shaping Pittman Athy. Hearing firsthand how the business grew from its earliest days through to the acquisition by Bunzl in 2023 has given me a real appreciation for the vision, determination, and resilience that underpin the company today.
Brendan leaves behind an exceptional legacy. His entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to customers, and ability to identify and seize new opportunities have played a central role in the success of the business. He has built not only a strong company, but also a culture defined by integrity, innovation, and a relentless drive to improve.
As Brendan begins his next chapter, we want to acknowledge the amazing impact he has had on the organisation and the people within it. We are grateful for the foundations he has laid and the example he has set. As we look to the future, we are committed to building on the solid foundations Brendan has laid and continuing the journey he set in motion.”
