Chair

Chair, Wilkin & Sons,
Tiptree, Essex

Pure Executive is delighted to be leading the search for its first external independent Chair of Wilkin & Sons.

Best known for its iconic Tiptree brand, Wilkin & Sons is a remarkable British business with more than 140 years of history, deep roots in its Essex community and an international reputation for quality and provenance.

Today, the Group has a turnover of approximately £55m and encompasses Tiptree preserves, farming, patisserie, tea rooms and other food businesses. With ambitions to grow towards £100m over the next decade, there are opportunities to strengthen Tiptree's position within the major grocery retailers, build further on its established international presence and develop the potential of the wider Group.

The business is also considering significant choices around its future manufacturing capability and the investment required to support its ambitions for the decades ahead.

Walter Scott will step down as Chair in September 2027 after ten years in the role, following his earlier career as Joint Managing Director. His succession creates the opportunity to appoint Wilkin & Sons' first external independent Chair.

We are looking for an experienced and commercially astute leader who can bring relevant FMCG and consumer experience, independent perspective and thoughtful, appropriate challenge to the Board. Experience of branded food, major grocery retailers, international or export markets, and significant investment or transformation would all be valuable.

Just as importantly, the right person will understand what makes Wilkin & Sons distinctive: its heritage, independence, people, community and commitment to building a successful business for the long term.

• Time commitment: approximately 3–4 days per month
• Anticipated start: March 2027, allowing for a considered handover ahead of Walter Scott stepping down in September 2027

To find out more and view the full briefing pack and role profile, please follow the link: https://wilkinandsons.pureexecutive.com/

For a confidential conversation, please contact lynn.walters@pureexecutive.com / 01223 666455