Oldham-based Ultimate Products, the owner of household names including Salter and Beldray, has announced a series of senior promotions as part of a major leadership reshuffle.
Five members of the group’s operating board will step up to C-suite roles. Trading Director Duncan Singleton becomes Chief Commercial Officer, Supply Chain Director David Bloomfield moves to Chief Supply Chain Officer, while Craig Holden, currently Operations & HR Director, takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer. Katie Maxwell, also Trading Director, becomes Chief Product Officer, and Brand Director Tracy Carroll is promoted to Chief Marketing Officer.
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The company, which announced a challenging period last year, said the move strengthens representation of key functions at the highest level of the business and gives them greater involvement in strategic decision-making to support its long-term growth.
The changes coincide with founder Simon Showman stepping into a new role as President and Founder from 1 September 2025. Showman, who established the business nearly 30 years ago, replaces Barry Franks in the position and will focus on supporting Ultimate Products’ European operations and product development. He remains the company’s largest shareholder and will continue to sit on the board.
Chief Executive Andrew Gossage welcomed the promotions, saying: “I am very pleased to be promoting this exceptional group of individuals to C-suite roles. They have each made a massive contribution to Ultimate Products, and bring relentless professionalism, dedication and passion to their roles. We are fortunate to have such enviable strength and depth of talent within our business, and their promotions also illustrate the Group’s ability to provide fantastic opportunities for career progression across all functions.
“I am also delighted that Simon will continue to play an important role in the business, with a particular focus on realising the exciting opportunities that we see for this business in Europe.”
Showman added: “Nearly 30 years after founding Ultimate Products, I am incredibly proud that the business has become a place where talented people can join in junior or mid-level roles and progress to some of our most senior leadership positions. I have seen each of these promoted colleagues grow into outstanding leaders who understand our business, culture and industry inside out.
“Although my role is evolving, I look forward to remaining actively involved in the business, with a particular focus on driving our international growth, especially in Europe, and on developing the branded products our customers love.”
