Very popular industry stalwart, Riou Baxter has just announced that he is to retire at the end of this year, after 44 years in the greeting card sector.
Once met, never forgotten, the ever charismatic Riou has spent the last 16 years as director and co-founder of leading specialist sales consultancy business Why Management, a company he started and has co-run with his business partner Mike Broad. Why Management has worked with 46 publishers on various sales and management projects since the company started.
Riou has long enjoyed a high profile in the industry, working on the sales front for several leading companies in the greeting card tapestry, including Hanson White and Accord Publications.
Reflecting on his illustrious greeting card career, Riou said: “The past 16 years, in partnership with Mike and with our clients has been a real highlight of my working life; also the years with Accord Publications and Hanson White. I will miss this wonderful business and the people I have come to know as good friends, but with today’s fast changing industry I know it is time to retire gracefully and spend some quality time with my supportive wife Laura, family and friends”.
Why Management is to continue, under Mike’s leadership who is looking forward to working closely with Mint Publishing, Museums & Galleries and Real & Exciting Designs and its other clients.
“Riou will be greatly missed, not just by me, but by all those who have worked with him. I echo his comments about the past 16 years, we have had some great times, worked hard to enjoy significant success with our clients,” says Mike. “Our industry and retailing in general faces a period of significant change, but I am delighted that Why Management will continue to play a key part in the ongoing sales management, at all levels for Mint, Museums & Galleries and Real & Exciting Designs. These are exciting times for all three publishers and Why looks forward to playing a continued part in their growth,” Mike adds.
Top: Riou Baxter is retiring from the industry on 31 December 2021.
