The HTA has appointed three new directors to join its board to help steer the continuing development of the garden industry trade association. 

Peter Cook, Robert Hewitt and Mark Pearson will join a refreshed HTA Board bringing substantial business and industry experience to the association’s work on behalf of its members.

Peter Cook, Managing Director of Roundstone Nurseries, trained as a management accountant in the building industry prior to moving into sales and marketing with blue chip companies including Kellogg’s, Mars and Scottish & Newcastle (S&N). His career progressed into supplying pre-packed salads to leading grocers prior to joining Roundstone Nurseries in late 2008.

Robert Hewitt is currently Chief Executive of Klondyke Garden Centres having held the same role at Wyevale Garden Centres from 1997 until 2005. Robert began his career with J Sainsbury plc before moving into the garden retail sector in the late 1980s.

Mark Pearson was appointed CEO of Gardman Group in 2008 following the purchase of the business by Barclays Private Equity (now Equistone). Mark previously held a variety of international roles with a number of blue chip companies following training as a Chartered Accountant and an early career with Price Waterhouse.

HTA President Caroline Owen commented: “The last 9 months have been a period of review and reflection for the HTA as the board has sought to build on the association’s many strengths and look to the future. We were delighted to announce the appointment of Carol Paris as our new chief executive in the summer and these new board appointments bring to the HTA new levels of support and insight to underpin this important work.”

The new board members join Ian Ashton of Lowaters Nursery, Stan Green of Growforth Ltd, John Lord of John Woods Nurseries, David Norman of Abercorn Plant and Garden Centre, and Caroline Owen of Scotsdales Garden Centre.