Marion Stinton, Business Manager of the award-winning Mr Johnson's brand, is retiring after a career spanning 37 years in the pet trade.

During her time in pet product sales and marketing Marion has worked for: Alton’s, Thacker’s Pet Products, BP Nutrition, Spooner’s wholesale, Purina, and Supreme Petfoods.

For the past 14 years she has been Business Manager at Henry Bell & Co (Grantham) Ltd & Mr Johnson’s.

"it’s the longest I have worked for one company. It’s been challenging, fulfilling and enjoyable and a great finale to my days in sales and marketing," said Marion.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to Tom Lee and Carol Foster for the opportunities and support they have given me over the years. Thank you also to Alan Gittins for his support – we have worked closely together developing the Mr Johnson’s business and have become firm friends."

Alan Gittins took on the role of Sales Manager for Mr Johnson’s in July.

Marion added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the pet trade, it’s an industry that’s full of personable characters and over the years I have forged strong business relationships as well as friendships with customers and colleagues.  

"When I first started in sales it was very different to today. The majority of sales people on the road were men, when you needed to check in with the office each day it was a case of finding a phone box that worked. Later on mobile phones were introduced, although they were not mobiles as we now know them, they came with a battery nearly the same size as the one under the bonnet of your car and it’s hard to believe that all you could do was make a call from them, if you could find a signal.

"The pet trade will always have a place in my heart. But it's time to ease my foot off the accelerator, spend more time relaxing with my husband Dennis, and enjoying our passion for walking in the beautiful countryside and wildlife photography.

"I would like to wish friends, colleagues, customers, suppliers and the trade all the best for the future."

Marion is pictured with Alan Gittins, Sales Manager for Mr Johnson’s, after winning a PATS New Product Award.