Group55, the parent company of the bestselling animology brand, has promoted Rob Banks to the role of managing director.

The former director of logistics and health and safety takes over the operational reins of the business from founder and chairman Stephen Turner, who has chosen to work more closely with customers to help them achieve their goals.

The pair first met when Stephen took a warehouse job to make ends meet while he was launching Group 55 as a business. Rob was Stephen’s boss at the warehouse.

Stephen said: “Rob is an outstanding professional with a strong understanding of the Group55 business and it is with confidence and a sense of pride that I hand over the responsibilities of running the business to a trusted colleague and friend of more than 30 years.”

Rob commented: “The journey of growth that Group55 is on is truly exciting and I couldn’t be more delighted to be taking on the role of managing director as we navigate this next chapter for the business, with even more exciting things to come.”