Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Paul Kempsey has been appointed managing director of housewares distributor JWP.
For the past five years Paul has run his own housewares consultancy, Craven Schofield. Prior to that he was managing director of Paton Calvert. Previous posts include sales & marketing director of Selfix Housewares and divisional sales manager at The Prestige Group.
Commenting on his appointment, Paul said:”My objectives at JWP are to profitably grow the business through major new product launches. These will include moving into a core kitchenware product sector that has seen significant growth in recent years, and the development of a number of JWP house brands.”
He added that sales from existing brands such as Lékué, Fusionbrands and Lock and Lock will be further developed through the launch of new items, colour choices and promotional packs, and new consumer brands will be recruited from Europe, the US and Asia.
“Expect also some really innovative ideas that will take JWP into new and exciting ‘mouth watering’ product areas!” he said.
Paul’s appointment follows the departure of JWP founder Jim Wilkinson, who retired earlier this year. Commenting on his retirement Jim Wilkinson said: “I turned 59 in early July and after 42 years in the housewares industry I took the decision to retire to try and get my health and hobbies back on track.
“I wish Paul and the JWP team every success going forward and I’d like to extend my thanks and appreciation to everyone in the industry for their support over the years. Special thanks to my wife Leslie: here’s hoping we spend a long and enjoyable retirement together.”
