Walker’s Shortbread has appointed Justin Stead as chair.
Effective from 22 October, Stead will bring decades of experience leading and working with global consumer brands to the position.
Stead will be Walker’s’ third ever chair, suceeeding Bob Brannan, who left the position in May, after seven years.
Stead is currently chair of several global businesses, including Le Col and Baby Mori. He was previously CEO of Radley London and the Watches of Switzerland Group, where he quadrupled profits.
Beyond Stead’s business credentials, he is founder of the Aurelius Foundation, a community interest organisation dedicated to promoting the principles of Stoic philosophy.
Stead’s global perspective – shaped by living and working in over 50 countries – and “personable, motivational style” made him an “ideal fit to support Walker’s Shortbread in its ambitions for the future”, said the business.
Founded in 1898, Walker’s Shortbread has a 127-year heritage as a family-owned producer of traditional shortbread. Today, the company exports its products to around 100 countries worldwide.
Stead’s leadership will help steer the company toward new opportunities while remaining true to its roots as a family business, said Walker’s.
“The family, board, and executive team are thrilled to welcome Justin to the Walker’s Shortbread family,” said Nicky Walker.
“We are confident that with his guidance we will continue to build on our strong foundations as we drive forward our ambitions for the future.”
Stead added: “I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to collaborating with the talented team to shape the next chapter of the Walker’s story.”
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