Widdop & Co are very pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Wilson as new Managing Director with effect from November 2020.
Mark is a an extremely experienced MD with a very distinguished career to-date, both managing and overseeing change in several family businesses, including Mamas and Papas until 2008 and Plum Play more recently. He joins Widdop & Co at a very exciting time, as we transition between generations, and where Widdop has weathered the challenges of the Covid storm and come out stronger than ever with a positive Autumn trading period and fantastic new ranges for 2021.
Stuart Illingworth, who has been MD for over 30 years will take on the new role of Chairman, with Mark reporting to him. Stuart will continue to be significantly involved in the business, and Andrew Illingworth will continue as Sales Director. Stephen, Daniel & James Illingworth who are all well established in Product Development, Sales & IT respectively will continue the family tradition at Widdop. They together with the whole senior management team will work with Mark to complete the transition between generations, as well as build the business over the next couple of years.
Mark says “Widdop & Co. has a 140 year history of innovation and excellence in home and giftware that has solidified its status as the UK’s leading wholesale gift supplier and I am delighted to be joining them at a time of such change and opportunityâ€.
