Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Housewares supplier Kitchen Craft announced a significant change in its management structure today (Monday October 26).
Following 22 years of service, managing director Andrew Plant will be handing over the reins to Garry Biggs, former managing director of housewares supplier Denby Pottery.
Kitchen Craft said Andrew has been instrumental in facilitating the company’s transformation from a general wholesaler to the focused-consumer business and in growing the company’s annual turnover from £5m to in excess of £40m. More recently Andrew managed the company’s acquisition by Lifetime Brands Inc. and its integration into the Lifetime Group.
Andrew commented: “Kitchen Craft has always been dear to me and will remain so. The integration into Lifetime has been smooth and with access to Lifetime’s global resources and sourcing expertise, Kitchen Craft is today uniquely positioned to capitalise on many exciting opportunities.
“I’m confident that, with Garry’s experience, drive and leadership, these will be realised. At its heart, Kitchen Craft remains a family business with my brother, Richard, cousin Peter and nephew Daniel all remaining in senior roles. I appreciate and thank Lifetime Brands for their understanding and support, and I wish everyone at Kitchen Craft and Lifetime Brands the brightest of futures. I’m also looking forward to participating in the business in an advisory role in the future.
Garry led the management buyout of Denby in 2004 and has guided the business for over 10 years. Prior to this, he worked for United Biscuits holding a number of general management and marketing directorships.
He commented: “The housewares sector is one I thoroughly enjoy working in and I have respected the Kitchen Craft business for many years. I’m now delighted to be given the opportunity to lead this great company under the ownership of Lifetime Brands. I’m immensely excited about how we can develop this ‘family’ business further whilst respecting the Kitchen Craft heritage and culture, along with its strong loyalties to both its customers and employees.”
Jeff Siegel, CEO of Lifetime Brands Inc. said: “We respect Andrew’s desire to devote more time to his family and other interests and thank him for the pivotal role he has played over many years in Kitchen Craft’s success. Andrew, his fellow directors and Lifetime Brands have worked hard to secure Garry’s appointment, and we are absolutely confident that he will play an instrumental role in driving Kitchen Craft forward both in the UK and internationally.”
Garry starts with Kitchen Craft on November 9. Andrew will work with and support Garry for several weeks to ensure a seamless handover.
l-r: Andrew Plant and Garry Biggs
