After 44 years with UK Greetings, latterly as its chief executive, Gary Rowley’s official retirement ceremony last Friday was bound to be an emotional event.
Adding to the poignancy in UKG’s Deswbury HQ, the same day also marked the retirement of another long serving staff member – Amanda Scrivener, the popular national account manager who retired, after 27 years with the company.
James Conn, who took over officially as UKG’s ceo on March 1 paid tribute to his two retiring well loved and greatly respected colleagues, giving two separate speeches, giving due deference to the high standing and immense contribution both individuals have made to the company.
Responding, Gary paid tribute to “the many wonderful and talented people” that he has had the good fortune to work with over the 44 years he spent with the company. “Some are no longer with us but all left their mark and helped build this wonderful business to become what it is today.”
Ever appreciative, Gary told how he feels “so incredibly lucky to have experienced such warmth, friendship and support from everyone I have had the pleasure to have worked with.”
Stressing the importance of ‘people power’, Gary said: “The company is about the people not the bricks and mortar and what a talented and wonderful group you are. It goes without saying how much the company means to me but I leave with a confidence and excitement that you will continue to grow and prosper.”
Having thanked everyone, Gary built to an emotional crescendo:. “A new life awaits me but the old life will never ever be forgotten.
So many wonderful memories. Goodbye my friends.”
