Meaco, the UK’s leading air treatment brand and Europe’s largest dehumidifier supplier, has appointed Simon Grantham as its new managing director. Founder Chris Michael will move into the role of chair as the company enters its next phase of strategic expansion and product development.
The leadership change marks a significant milestone in Meaco’s evolution from its origins in the museum sector to a £50 million international business, with a strong presence across the UK and Europe. Under Chris Michael’s leadership, Meaco has pioneered the development of consumer air treatment products tailored to real-world needs—most notably, the award-winning MeacoDry Arete® One, now the best-selling dehumidifier family in Europe.
Grantham brings senior leadership experience from Panasonic, Miele, Groupe SEB and Nextbase. He has a strong track record of growing established consumer durable brands through high-quality product development and commercial focus.
“Meaco has been very successful developing high-quality products that deliver clear consumer benefits,” says Grantham. “The business has grown fast in the dehumidifier and air cooling market, and there’s a clear roadmap for continued growth—both through new product development and expansion into new regions. It’s a very exciting time to be joining the company.”
Germany remains a strong growth market for Meaco, where consumers value quality, energy efficiency, and sustainability in home appliances. A key example of Meaco’s customer-led innovation is its decision to stop including plastic drainage hoses with dehumidifiers. This move, based on feedback from over 2,000 users—92% of whom said they discarded the hoses—has prevented hundreds of thousands of metres of plastic waste.
In 2024, Meaco expanded its sustainable packaging efforts by removing polystyrene from lighter products and is now testing 100% cardboard packaging across its entire Arete Two range, including the heaviest models.
Chris Michael, Meaco chair, says: “Across Europe, we’re seeing real changes in the way people think about indoor climate control. Shifting weather patterns and longer damp seasons are making dehumidifiers essential in more homes, while rising energy bills mean people are actively looking for efficient, low-cost ways to stay comfortable and combat damp. Our focus on high performance and low energy consumption is more relevant than ever. With Simon on board, we’re in a strong position to bring that value to more customers in more regions.”
“I have also strengthened the Management team bringing in a customer service director who has worked in leading consumer retail businesses and a CFO with experience in consumer electronics across Europe. We are currently recruiting a European Sales Director to spearhead our expansion in Europe. “
Meaco is continuing to expand its international footprint, with growing momentum in markets including France, Spain, Italy and Scandinavia. It is also investing in its next generation of cooling and heating solutions, building on its leadership in dehumidification and air purification.
Founded in 1991 to serve museums with specialist humidity control, Meaco has grown into a consumer favourite, known for quiet, energy-efficient, high-quality products and industry-leading customer satisfaction. It remains firmly rooted in the UK, with all taxes paid domestically and a commitment to sustainable growth.
