Keith Wardrope, the long-standing managing director of Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) is stepping down from his role, with deputy MD Gareth Evans announced as his successor.
Wardrope has led the family-owned business with brothers Martin and Stephen Hill for almost 25 years. Former sales director Evans was named as his deputy around two years ago, and has been with the business for nearly 35 years.
“I’m extremely pleased and proud in equal measure,” Evans commented. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would end up here when I look back on almost 35 years after coming for an interview with Stephen Hill!
“It is a privilege to take over from Keith, who taught me so much about this business, and the industry we work in, over the time we’ve worked together, and I’d like to thank him for his support and guidance over the past 20 years, or more.”
He continued: “Thanks also to Martin and Stephen for putting their trust in me – I look forward to building on the success we’ve achieved and working with our directors Dan Mounsey, Andy Evans, and the wider team to make it happen. We’ll continue to embrace new technology to improve our systems but also service levels to customers and strive to set standards recognised as the benchmark for excellence in our sector.”
Outgoing managing director Keith Wardrope added: “After around 44 years in the KBB industry, with over 24 years of this at HPP, it is with some sadness – and some delight – that I can announce it’s finally time to start moving towards more of a support role and eventual retirement.”
“But what is great news is that I get to handover to who, I believe, will be one of the next great people to bring honesty, commitment and innovation to the industry and HPP. Gareth and I have worked together for over 20 years now and I trust him as a friend and as a person of sound business sense and commitment to the people who work with him, while always looking for ways to make the customer’s journey a great one here at HPP.
“He has an outstanding knowledge of the KBB sector and has always pushed forward to make HPP become one of the most recognised names in the industry, looking at new products and new systems that make it easier for our customers to fulfil their business needs.”