Ian Thurgood

Ian Thurgood

Ian Thurgood, outgoing joint managing director of Wilkin & Sons, is set to retire at the end of this month after 40 years with the premium jam maker.

Starting as a farm worker in 1976, he moved to transport and then sales and marketing before spending 10 years in the co-MD role from 2006.

“I’ve had the good fortune to work with some exceptional people at Wilkin & Sons. I hope some of what I’ve learned along the way has rubbed off on to others,” said Thurgood, who cited corporate fundraising as the most satisfying part of his time at the Tiptree brand owner. “Of course, I shall be sad to leave after so many years, but I am looking forward to finding new challenges.”

Chairman Peter Wilkin, who employed Thurgood in 1976, added: “Over the course of the years he has worked here, Ian has played a very major part in the expansion and development of Wilkin & Sons in general, and the Tiptree brand in particular, for which the company is very grateful. He will undoubtedly be missed, and he leaves with our very best wishes for the future.”