GWP Group CEO Retires

The founder and former CEO of Wiltshire-based packaging firm GWP Group, has announced his retirement after more than 30 years at the helm. With GWP having been purchased by Macfarlane Packaging back in March, David Pedley decided that it was the right time to retire.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at GWP – and am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved – but feel that now is the right time to step down,” said Pedley. “The hardest part is that I am really going to miss the people – pretty much all of my peers in the industry. I’ve made great friends amongst suppliers, competitors and obviously colleagues. I’ll miss the challenge of big projects and winning new contracts but, most of all, the people.”

Having founded Great Western Packaging – as it was then known – in August 1991, the business was initially based in a spare bedroom and employed only a handful of staff.

“Even though it was hard work, it was enormous fun, and to see the business grow the way it did has been hugely rewarding. In saying that, probably my happiest memory was day one, standing in an empty factory – at Lynton Road, Cheney Manor – when we first started,” said Pedley.

Ruth Cook, who has been with the company since day one, and is now Managing Director, said, “David has lived and breathed GWP. Having been alongside him at GWP since day one, I have seen first-hand the drive, commitment, and acumen he brought to the company.”

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