After over 34 years of service, Paul Wells, Muntons Chairman, is stepping down. Paul joined as a director in 1990 and became Chairman in 2013, overseeing decades of growth.
Within that period, Muntons expanded from two to four sites (including one in Thailand), now sells in 60 countries, and nearly tripled production from 90,000 to 250,000 tonnes.
Paul reflects, “Looking back over the years, I feel proud of having played a part in the growth of an exceptional company. Always a private company – starting with the founding families more than one hundred years ago – Muntons has forged a steady path of building business across the world and investing profits back for future growth."
"Over half the UK’s private sector businesses are family-owned and it is their resilience and patient capital that underpins the UK economy. Muntons is a leading example of the way businesses can benefit all stakeholders and communities.”
“It almost goes without saying that there are too many people to thank individually,” continues Paul. “But I should like to mention the managing directors during my time at Muntons; Andrew Shelley, Gerald Prior, Alan Ridealgh and Mark Tyldesley. We would not be the company we are today without their strong leadership and vision, which Mark continues to demonstrate.”
Mark Tyldesley, Muntons Group Managing Director, adds, “Paul’s departure marks the end of an era, his influence, leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping Muntons into the successful, forward-thinking company it is today. As he concludes his remarkable tenure, and on behalf of the entire team, we extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes for his well-earned retirement. On a personal note, I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and support over the past eight years. His wisdom will be greatly missed, but his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Current Board member Chris Thomas, a Chartered Engineer with a strong track record of successful leadership in the food and dairy sectors, who has been serving as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director since June 2023, will be nominated as new Muntons Chairman. Chris has extensive experience of high growth situations in major food businesses and leading multinationals including PepsiCo, Mars, Tulip UK, and St. Ivel. “With a wealth of experience as both a Chair and Non-Exec Director, we are confident that Chris will continue to drive the business forward, strengthening Muntons for the years ahead,” says Mark.
Additionally, Nick Wells will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director in April, bringing valuable experience to complement our existing leadership team, ensuring further representation of the Wells family within Muntons alongside the current Non-Executive Director Peter Wells.
