Johnson’s Veterinary Products has appointed Matthew Gwynn to the role of Assistant Sales and Digital Marketing Manager and Jack Franks to the role of Assistant Purchasing & Procurement Manager.

The names will be familiar to those who know the family-owned business, as 32-year-old Matthew is the son of current Managing Director Paul Gwynn and 26-year-old Jack is the son of current Sales Director, Nick Franks.

Both Matthew and Jack forged successful careers before being invited to join the business personally by former Chairman David Johnson, who sadly passed away in July 2022. Recognising the importance of maintaining the firm’s independence, he was keen the next generation should join and bring fresh ideas and skills from outside the pet trade. 

Johnson’s Managing Director Paul Gwynn commented: “The arrival of Matthew and Jack has immediately given the business a lift and David would have been immensely happy and proud had he lived to witness their first day here at Johnson’s. 

“Our identity as a family business has been central to the success of Johnson’s for more than 100 years. This decision to recruit from our families is about ensuring we have the ambition, commitment and enthusiasm to continue the firm’s independent future.

“Both Matthew and Jack spent a lot of school and university holidays working here at Johnson’s, in the office and the warehouse, when their passion for the business was ignited. For everyone within the business, it’s like welcoming colleagues back to work.

“Matthew brings with him a successful track-record in sales and digital marketing and is already freshening the way we talk about our products and our brand, listening closely to what our customers want from us. I may be biased, but already the signs are incredibly positive.

“Similarly, Jack had established his career in aerospace procurement and will bring new ideas to help us better meet the changing needs of our customers. As his grandfather, there was a unique sense of pride for David Johnson when Jack agreed to join the business and secure the family connection.

“We recognise the need for youthful insight and learning, to take Johnson’s forward to face the growing challenges of the modern global commercial environment.

“Recruiting the next generation of family members into the business provides stability and continuity for us and importantly, for our customers, while ensuring Johnson’s builds on its heritage and success of the past 100 years.”