EH Smith has announced the appointment of its current Chief Executive, John Parker, as company Chairman following the death of longstanding Chairman Ken Smith in November.
Mr Parker has been a director at the family firm since the 1990s and the Chief Executive for the last 10 years. A well-known figure in the industry, John has served on the NMBS board, was chairman of Cemco buying group, and more recently took a lead in the formation of Fortis Merchants Ltd and was its inaugural chairman.
Mr Parker’s appointment comes on the back of some of the best trading years in the company’s 95-year history. EH Smith today is a multi-award winning, £140 million turnover firm, with 15 trading locations across the Midlands and the South East, which delivered an impressive 19% increase in turnover in the financial year 2016-2017.
The firm, known for its people-centric culture, has ambitious plans for the future. With the company’s centenary on the horizon in 2022, there’s a real focus on the future and keeping in great shape for generations to come.
John comments: “I am honoured to be following in Ken’s footsteps. We will be maintaining our family and community-focused business culture, including such measures as a 15% profit distribution to staff and giving 10% of profits to local charitable and community causes.
“In recent years we have invested heavily in our branches, concentrating on product ranges, competitive pricing and our ability to adapt in uncertain times,” continued John. “Our focus going forward includes maximising one of EH Smith’s key strengths: the expertise of our employees. It is this, I believe, along with continued investment and innovative marketing, that will drive financial performance in the coming years. Growth is there for those who are equipped to take advantage of it.”
