Homeware brands group unveils CEO change as founder steps aside
Oldham-based homeware brands group, Ultimate Products, has undergone a change at the top, naming Andrew Gossage as its new chief executive.
The group, which owns a number of homeware brands including Salter – the UK’s oldest houseware brand, est.1760 – and Beldray (est.1872), confirmed that Andrew is taking over from Simon Showman, the group’s founder, who will remain on the board as chief commercial officer.
Andrew joined Ultimate Products in 2005, initially as finance director, before being promoted to managing director in 2014.
Since then, he has been responsible for the group’s strategy as well as overseeing its operational functions and online business. Andrew is a Chartered Accountant and started his career with Arthur Andersen, after which he was the finance director and general manager of Mersey Television.
Simon founded Ultimate Products in 1997 and has led the group ever since.
As chief commercial officer, he will continue to oversee the group’s commercial functions including sales, buying and product development.
Simon Showman said: “I am confident that he will do an exceptional job in leading Ultimate Products into the next phase of its growth journey.
“For my own part, I am very excited to be taking on the new role of chief commercial officer, which will allow me to focus on the elements of the job that I relish the most, including business development, product development and managing key retailer relationships.
“I am particularly looking forward to spending more time with our customers in the UK and internationally, building the long standing and strategic partnerships necessary to drive Ultimate Products’ future growth.”
Andrew Gossage said: “It is a huge honour to take on the role of CEO.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work with Simon and the rest of our excellent team to build on our current capabilities with the ambition of making Ultimate Products the world’s best branded consumer goods business.
“Our strategy remains unchanged, which is to create beautiful and more sustainable products for every home and pursue growth via the online, supermarket and discount channels both here in the UK and internationally.”
