Following his recent retirement from the role of chief executive at Klondyke Garden Centres, Bob Hewitt is set to take up a new part-time role on the boa Kelkay which he plans to run alongside his responsibilities as non-executive chairman at Klondyke. Mr Hewitt began his garden retail career at Wyevale almost 30 years ago and he has spent the past 10 years at the helm at Klondyke where he has built his reputation as one of the most respected retail professionals in the garden sector.

Said Kelkay boss Antony Harker, “We’ve come a long way since we started Kelkay and we’ve learnt a lot along the way, but of course, we are still a family business. Garden Centres have been at the centre of our strategy and we believe we understand their needs pretty well. To help us further develop our product and services for garden centres, I’m thrilled that Bob has agreed to join us. His experience and insight into the needs of garden centres, large and small, will be so valuable. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Commenting on his appointment Mr Hewitt said, “I’ve watched this family business develop during my time in the garden industry and Kelkay has become a significant and key supplier over the years. Antony has been a real innovator and he now leads one of the most exciting small businesses in the garden sector. Added to the fact that he is a thoroughly decent bloke with such a hard working team around him, I’m delighted to call him a friend as well as an important business associate.”

Mr Hewitt took up his appointment at the beginning of January and he is already working with the team on product and category development plans for 2018 as well as looking at the medium to longer term strategic development of the business.

“It’s motivating to be facing a completely new challenge” added Mr Hewitt, “and in a business where I hope my skills and experience can be put to most effective use.”