Gareth Sheekey and Ben Watkinson step up for paper specialist’s next chapter
G.F Smith has a new team taking the company forward following the retirement of md John Haslam after 38 years at the paper company which supplies many greeting card publishers.
Gareth Sheekey steps up from his finance director role to take over the top job, while Ben Watkinson has moved from creative director to become global brand director.
John told PrintWeek: “I’ve been responsible for a chapter in the company’s history, and now it’s the next generation’s time to write their chapter. I hope the next generation are cut some slack and things get sorted out in the world. Since I took over we’ve had the great recession, the referendum, Brexit, covid, war – we’ve remained viable, profitable and adapted throughout all that time.”
Based in Hull, with a 150-plus workforce, the business was founded in 1885, and now has sales of £32million with its flagship Colorplan range sold in 32 countries around the world.
Supplying the greeting card industry has long been part of the company’s remit, devising a special collection exclusively available for the greetings market as well as supporting The Henries and PG Live as a sponsor and it is heavily involved in the GCA’s New Creative Talent scheme for lecturers and students.
G.F Smith continues to push the boundaries with innovations, such as using seaweed, cellulose and recycled coffee cups in its products.
John, who joined the business in 1985 and has been on the board for 23 years and served as md since 2008, officially stepped down on 29 June but will remain as a non-executive director for 10 years as part of the succession planning for the company.
Other changes include Margaret Sweeney becoming sales and business development director, and Charlotte Couchman, who was a director of the London-based importer and wholesale distributor of fine art and digital inkjet paper business RK Burt which G.F Smith acquired three years ago, is heading up fine art as commercial development director, while sales director Jan Richner is moving back to Switzerland so leaving the business.
After 25 years as finance director, Gareth will continue looking after that side of the business until a new appointment is made.
In keeping with its sustainability ideals, G.F Smith is now B Corp certified, part of the global group of community-driven businesses from all sectors which are united by the shared goal of achieving an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
Certification confirms a business meets and maintains high standards of social and environmental impact, and is actively engaged in the building of a better world.
A company statement said: “We are delighted to join the growing ranks of 1,000+ British companies, and more than 6,000 worldwide, that recognise the need to use our voice to build a better tomorrow.”
