Rhys Beal

Rhys Beal is Head of Research and Development at ABI Interiors, overseeing the R&D function across specialised teams spanning product design, product regulatory, manufacturing and production, sourcing, and display builds. His role covers the full product lifecycle, working closely with his managers and teams on everything from new product development and certification to expanding manufacturing capabilities and bringing products into the showroom.

Before joining ABI, Rhys spent seven years as a qualified plumbing tradesman in the construction industry, alongside experience in project management. Having personally installed the types of products ABI now designs, he developed a first-hand understanding of how products perform in the field, what works for installers, and where opportunities exist to improve. He also co-founded an e-commerce business, gaining valuable experience working with suppliers and navigating supply chains that now inform his approach to ABI’s sourcing and manufacturing operations.

Rhys began his journey at ABI in the warranty team, where his technical knowledge and close understanding of real-world product performance led him to help establish the company’s dedicated R&D department. Progressing from Manager to Head of Research and Development, he now leads a function where no two days look the same, from researching new product categories and expanding factory capabilities to solving complex design and production challenges.

At the core of Rhys’s approach to product development is a balance of three priorities: installation, quality, and design. His practical trade experience brings an installer’s perspective to the development process, helping ensure every product not only looks refined but is intuitive to install and engineered to perform for the long term.