Our Board
Wilkin & Sons is led by an experienced Board with considerable knowledge of the business, its markets and its heritage.
The current Board is predominantly executive, bringing together the leaders responsible for the principal areas of the Group, alongside independent Non-Executive Director experience.
The appointment of the first external independent Chairperson represents an important next stage for the Board, adding further commercial and Board perspective as Wilkin & Sons develops its strategy and considers some significant long-term choices.
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Walter Scott – Chairman Walter has spent much of his career with Wilkin & Sons, joining the business as Factory Manager before becoming Production Director and later Joint Managing Director. He has chaired Wilkin & Sons for the past ten years and brings extensive knowledge of the business, its heritage and the food manufacturing sector. Walter is also the Grantee for the company's Royal Warrant and the current President of Sandringham Royal Warrant Holders Association. |
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Chris Newenham – Managing Director Chris has been with Wilkin & Sons for 25 years and has played a significant role in developing the Group's farming and fresh fruit activities alongside his wider leadership of the business. A Nuffield Farming Scholar, he has extensive experience across horticulture, agriculture and food production and is currently Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers. |
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Suzie Leppard – Finance Director Suzie is Finance Director and Company Secretary of Wilkin & Sons and is responsible for the financial leadership of the Group. She joined the Board in 2024 and works closely with the wider leadership team in supporting the Group's strategy and long-term plans. |
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Andrey Ivanov – Managing Director, Farms Andrey leads the farming operations at Wilkin & Sons and has played a central role in their development from a traditional fruit-growing operation into a modern and increasingly technology-led farming business. His work has included expanding fresh fruit production and introducing new approaches to growing, automation and agricultural technology. |
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Tony Moore – Supply Chain Director Anthony is Supply Chain Director at Wilkin & Sons and joined the Board in 2025. He brings operational and supply chain experience to the Board, with responsibility spanning important aspects of the Group's manufacturing and supply operations. |
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Marcus Lewis – IT Director Marcus is IT Director and a Board member at Wilkin & Sons, bringing more than 20 years' experience in technology and business transformation. At Tiptree, he is helping the business use technology, AI and automation to support its continued development while respecting the heritage and character of the organisation. |
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Joy Burnford – Non-Executive Director Joy Burnford was appointed as the first Independent Non-Executive Director to the Board in January 2026. An entrepreneur and business leader with more than 25 years’ experience, she is the Founder and CEO of Encompass, bringing people together to share ideas, build partnerships and tackle business challenges. Joy has contributed her experience in leadership, organisational culture and developing talent during a period of change for the business. She has held a number of board advisory positions, including serving as President of the East of England Co-op. |
