Following the appointment of new Mr Fothergill’s CEO, Michael Yates (above), in January 2024, the business has continued to strengthen its executive team, as it doubles down on its purpose of 'Helping Everyone Grow'.

Joining Yates are Steve Parkin, Exec Chairman, Sonila Troka, Chief Marketing Officer and David Harker, Chief Commercial Officer.

The new leadership team at Mr Fothergill’s has more than 100 years of combined consumer experience in creating and growing brands across the world.  Steve Parkin was previously CEO of PE-backed Mayborn Group (owners of the Tommee Tippee brand) for 17 years, while Sonila Troka has led brand and marketing at Loreal, Johnsons & Johnson (J&J) and Procter and Gamble (P&G).  David Harker comes from Salesforce Inc, where he was a Senior Account Director, having started his career in sales at P&G.

Commenting on the appointments, Yates said: “The new leadership team brings a wealth of experience in transforming global and local consumer brands across a range of sectors, through both retailer partners and brand websites (DTC and marketplaces). Together with a fantastic team of horticultural category experts, we are confident this new team gives us both the insights, as well as the capabilities, to rapidly grow our core brands of Mr Fothergill’s, DT Brown, Johnsons and Darlac. 

“The first stage of our transformation and acceleration programme will be this coming season, with brand relaunches and new product innovation across both UK and Australian retailers and DTC channels.”

Following these appointments, Mark Wootton, Commercial Director, leaves the business on 16 October 2024. Yates added: “I want to thank Mark for his two years at Mr Fothergill’s.  He has contributed significantly to our retailer partnerships, and we wish him well for the future.”