Yorkshire family business Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate has announced the appointment of Andrew Baker as Chief Executive, following the retirement of Jonathan Wild after 36 years’ service.
Andrew Baker was formerly CEO at Duchy Originals, the organic food company founded by HRH The Prince of Wales. He has also held director roles at Cadbury Schweppes, Tate & Lyle and Premier Brands, as well as setting up and managing his own food marketing business in France.
Andrew succeeds Jonathan Wild, the great nephew of Frederick Belmont, the Swiss confectioner who founded Bettys in 1919. Jonathan joined the business in 1975, training in every job in the business before becoming Managing Director in 1986 and Chief Executive in 1996.
Chairman of Bettys & Taylors, Lesley Wild, said: “Jonathan has been an exceptional leader. Over the last 36 years, his vision and passion have developed the business into a well-known and much loved institution – both in Yorkshire and further afield. Under his stewardship both the Bettys cafés and Taylors brands, including Yorkshire Tea, have flourished. He leaves behind a values-driven business where people and planet matter just as much as the bottom line.”
Andrew Baker joins Bettys & Taylors on 3rd May, 2011. “I am delighted to welcome Andrew to Bettys & Taylors,” added Lesley. “He is an accomplished Chief Executive who brings a wealth of experience in commercial, strategic, international, social and environmental responsibility. His appointment means that the future of the business will be in extremely able hands.”
Jonathan and Lesley Wild take tea with Andrew Baker (left)
