BRADFORD-based Christeyns UK managing director Nick Garthwaite is retiring from his role at the specialist hygiene chemical manufacturer after ten years at the helm.
The company has named Neil Jones, currently managing director of Clover Chemicals and Christeyns Food Hygiene, as his successor.
Mr Garthwaite, who joined the firm in August 2010 from Siemens, has been instrumental in the success and growth of the group, heavily involved in acquisitions that have seen turnover grow from £21m in 2010 to over £60m in 2019.
“My time at Christeyns has been exceptional,” said Mr Garthwaite. “It is an amazing business and I have been fortunate to work with a talented and passionate group of people.
“Neil is the perfect candidate to take over, highly experienced in the manufacturing industry, knowing the business and our people well. I have no doubt that he will lead Christeyns onward to new heights.”
Mr Garthwaite will maintain his role in the Bradford’s business community, by continue as chairman of North & West Yorkshire Chamber, on the Bradford & Airedale Manufacturing Alliance, as trustee of Canterbury Imagine and as lead on Bradford Manufacturing Weeks amongst other activities.
He will also continue with Christeyns for a period of time as a non-executive director.
Mr Jones joined Christeyns UK in December 2019, responsible for delivering strategy in a dual role across both the professional hygiene and food and beverage arms of the business.
With an extensive background in commercial management, he held leadership roles with national companies such as Unilever, Robert McBride and R&R prior to joining Christeyns.
He said: “Christeyns is a unique business with a reputation for excellence and a strong customer service ethos. I am delighted to take on the challenge of continuing the prosperity of the company and to lead the next chapter in its growth and development.”
Mr Jones is carrying out a three-month hand over period and will officially take up his new role on January 1, 2021. His longer-term goals will look to developing new business opportunities, increasing output and efficiency, and ensuring the firm is set to take on a new decade post Covid-19.
Originally from Norfolk, Mr Jones gained a degree at Loughborough University and was a keen sportsman, reaching county level in football, cricket and badminton..
Christeyns UK has experienced significant growth in recent years and now includes cleaning chemicals specialists Cole & Wilson, Oscrete construction products, Clover Chemicals and Warrington-based Christeyns Food Hygiene.
