Former Chamber chief becomes chair of hair and beauty firm following change of ownership

Former Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner has been named chair of the UK’s oldest hair and beauty wholesaler following a change of ownership.

Ellisons, which was founded in Birmingham in 1930 and is now based in Coventry, supports hair and beauty professionals in every aspect of their business life, shipping over 2.5million items annually to more than 50,000 salons, spas and other customers across the UK and internationally.

Managing director Geoff Morris is handing the reins a new generation of leadership, with the existing management team of Matthew Champney, Lee Farmer and Nadine Meakins acquiring a significant equity stake in the business.

Mr Faulkner, also previously CEO of Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest football clubs as chairperson, while Mr Morris will remain as a substantial shareholder and advisor to the business.

David Tucker, from Jasper Equity who originated and led the transaction, will also join the Ellisons board.

Mr Faulkner, who is the co-founder of leadership strategy and performance consultancy Element45, said: “I am delighted to be joining Ellisons as chairperson. This is a well-established business with a deserved reputation for excellent customer service and innovation.

“Under Geoff’s leadership the business has evolved impressively over the past decade, and I am excited to be joining now as Ellisons embarks on this next chapter of growth.

Mr Morris said: “It gives me pleasure to see a new generation demonstrate their entrepreneurial flair and lead Ellisons into its next 100 years’ of business.

“Across the business, colleagues show an unrivalled passion and understanding of professional hair and beauty.

“It gives me great confidence that the experience Paul brings to the existing management team will lead Ellisons towards an exciting new chapter in its long and cherished history.”

Matthew Champney added: “The changes ensure that the culture of independence and entrepreneurship, which has always been a hallmark of Ellisons, remains in place.

“Considerable industry knowledge is also retained in the business alongside the addition of further experience in growing and developing businesses, which will help to set Ellisons up for an exciting future.

“We will continue to benefit from Geoff’s industry knowledge, and I will support the management team with my own experience of developing teams and achieving results while fostering a dynamic culture within the business.”

Advisers on the change of ownership were Assay Corporate Finance, Penningtons Manches Cooper, Claritas and Higgs LLP.

Santander remain funders to the group.

Pictured: From left – Lee Farmer, Paul Faulkner, Geoff Morris, Nadine Meakins, Matthew Champney