Wrendale Designs has appointed Kirsty Hicks, the longtime card buyer for Waitrose into a newly created role of head of product development. Kirsty, who joins officially on August 12, will be working alongside Hannah Dale (who co-founded and co-owns the business with her husband Jack) has hitherto largely fulfilled this role in addition to creating the artwork for the brand.
In a case of serendipitous timing, just as Wrendale was looking to take steps to accommodate and perpetuate the global growth of the business, Kirsty was looking for a new challenge within the industry following the restructuring of Waitrose’s whole buying team.
“I am very excited to be joining the Wrendale team as head of product development and equally delighted to be staying within the industry to continue working with such fantastic people,” Kirsty told PG Buzz. “I’m eager to start the next chapter in my career and look forward to starting with the lovely Wrendale team!!” she added.
For Lincolnshire-based Wrendale, which this year was awarded a Queen’s Award for International Trade in recognition of the global growth of its card, gift and homewares products over the last three years, Kirsty’s appointment further underpins its growth strategy.
“Kirsty not only has amazing industry experience, but importantly for a family-owned business, we really clicked with her and knew she would fit in with the existing team,” commented Jack. “Having Kirsty on board means that I will have more time to focus on creating the artwork, which will be such a luxury,” adds Hannah.
Kirsty’s appointment comes a year and a half after Wrendale’s appointment of Lisa Marcuccio as its first ever head of sales.
“Having Lisa on the team has changed the business significantly, for the better. With Kirsty coming on board we are further strengthening the ‘Wrendale family’ with additional skills, enabling us to better serve our customers, both in the UK and overseas with well designed products,” added Hannah.
Top: Kirsty Hicks was determined to stay in the industry.
