Houlden Announce Positive Succession Plans at Autumn Meeting

21 Sep 2023

Following the record-breaking business achieved at their Autumn meeting in 2022, Houlden has announced new positive succession plans to Members - all designed to maintain the buoyant growth and success of the proactive buying Group - at this year's September meeting (September 19).

Plans include Helen Haddow, CEO, stepping down next year as part of her ten-year tenure with Houlden, once she has helped source a suitable replacement. Helen will then remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director. At the same time, following Members ratification, the Board will be further strengthened by the appointment of Dominic Wakefield (acting Shadow Director for the last year) and the up-and-coming reappointments of Joe Walsh and John Lunn. Denise McLaughlin becomes Houlden's new Chief Operating Officer after 15 years with the organisation.

Helen has successfully helped drive the Group's growth during the past seven years through her commitment to innovation and building the excellence of the unique Houlden Advantage whilst navigating the business through the complexities and challenges of the recent pandemic.

Director Keith Gill, who is due to retire shortly from the Board after 12 years, comments,

"Helen's energy and unwavering dedication to ensuring Houlden's success has been an inspiration, and we have all appreciated her tremendous contribution to the achievement s and ongoing evolution of the business. We are making the announcement well in advance to allow plenty of time to find the right person".

Helen Haddow says,

"I have enjoyed every moment of working together with our Members and Suppliers and the talented Houlden team to help ensure everyone's future commercial success. There are so many exciting opportunities and new initiatives ahead - many of which we will be unveiling during this Meeting".

The succession plans have also been confirmed to Members and announced to Suppliers via the Houlden App.

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Source: Houlden