Meet the Team

Between us, we have over 200 years’ experience in the Automotive and Industrial Oil business. You could say that the Optimum Oils team has seen it all in over 20 years in business, but we know that there’s always more to learn about making your business better.

We each bring individual talents and we all share the same drive and passion for problem solving, continual improvement and customer service.

Nice to meet you.

  • Cliff Thrussell
    Chairman

    Cliff originally trained as a mechanical engineer who later became a technical teacher before moving into the Lubricants Industry. He has held Sales, Senior Management and Director status positions with a number of major international oil companies for the past 30 years.

  • Tom Stoker
    Managing Director

    Tom is a mechanical engineer with a BA Honours Degree in Business Management & CIM Diploma in Marketing. Tom has held various  positions in Business Development, Operations, IT, Marketing & Senior Management in Chemical and Oil Industries.

  • James Bayliss
    Business Development Director

    James is a mechanical engineer who has held Sales, Sales Management and European key Account Management roles with major international oils companies for almost 25 years.

  • Paul Keeton
    Technical Director

    Paul started his career as a  chemist and has a BSc(Hons) degree/HND in Chemistry with additional diplomas in Marketing (CIM) and Industrial Management. 

    With other 30 years in the Lubricant business, Paul has held Senior Management team and director roles with major oil and lubricants companies leading  Global and local Marketing and technology teams.

  • John McLaughlin
    Business Development Manager

    John is a mechanical engineer who has been in the Automotive, Industrial, Speciality Lubricants & Fuel business for many years. He has served in a number of roles including production, distribution, commercial, laboratory, R&D, and sales including Key Account Management in various industries.

  • David Gabbott
    Area Sales Manager (South)

    David is a mechanical and production engineer who has held various positions including Customer Services Manager at an international power generation company before taking on technical and sales roles at national and international oil companies for the past 15 years.

  • Liam Waine
    Area Sales Manager (North)

    Liam is a multi-skilled Area Sales Manager covering our Automotive / Bus, Coach & Transport sector as well as developing our Manufacturing customer base. Liam joined Optimum with a background in sales in the automotive industry and is part of our commitment to continuous improvement and investment in people for the future of our business.

  • Liam O'Grady
    Area Sales Manager

    Liam joined us as a business apprentice in 2015, Liam has progressed exceptionally within the organisation and is fully multi-skilled in all aspects of our back-office operations. Liam has recently accepted the opportunity to progress to a field-based Area Sale Manager role looking after our Metalworking & Manufacturing sector.