A long-serving leader at employee-owned business WCF has announced her retirement after more than two decades of shaping its success.
Jo Ritzema was managing director at Brampton-based WCF for over 10 years before taking on the role of executive chair late last year.
Since joining WCF in 2004 as financial controller, and being appointed to the board in 2007, she has driven successful acquisitions and diversification.
WCF will continue to be led by chief executive officer Phil Murray and chief operating officer Andrew Mochie, with the support of the senior leadership team and the board.
Martin Ward, who has been on the WCF board since 2007, has taken on the role of non-executive chair.
Jo said: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have led such a diverse and inspiring business, which has given me a rewarding and purposeful career.
“I can honestly say that no two days at WCF have ever been the same in more than 20 years.
“I’m proud of everything we have achieved together as a team. As a part employee-owned business, our focus is on sustainable, long-term growth and development so that we can leave the business in a stronger position for the next generation.
“By fostering a collaborative and employee-focused culture, we’ve ensured our employees have a voice and use it to shape the future of the business.
“They can help it grow, implement change and ensure it is in safe hands for the future.”
WCF operates across the UK in the retail, logistics and leisure sectors and has over 370 employees working across more than 30 locations.
Its family of businesses includes national mail order shopping brands, three five-star camping and glamping sites, oil distribution, WCF Pet & Equestrian retail stores, and e-commerce businesses which offer garden and landscaping products.
Jo has led WCF through a period of change which saw the business address its seasonality challenges due to its fuel distribution business by diversifying into new sectors to strengthen its trading position.
This included expanding into the leisure sector with the acquisition of three campsites which now regularly win national awards and growing its home shopping brands by acquiring the North Yorkshire based fashion retailer, Bella di Notte.
WCF also acquired ProGreen and A1 Lawn to provide additional revenues over the summer months.
Jo added: “Our employees are our biggest strength at WCF and integrating new businesses and seeing people be empowered to take ownership of their roles has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
“It’s been wonderful to see a new generation of leaders and future stars emerge across all our businesses at WCF.”
Jo will continue to contribute her expertise in strategic leadership and employee ownership through non-executive roles.
She has recently been appointed to the board of directors at Gripple UK, LOADHOG and H&H Group Plc. Jo is also an independent trustee at employee-owned Alfa Leisureplex Group.
After training with a large accountancy firm, Jo began her commercial career in pharmaceuticals and is a chartered accountant and chartered director.
A passionate advocate for the employee ownership model, she was a non-executive director of the Employee Ownership Association and chair of its finance and audit committee for 10 years.
Phil added: “Jo’s contribution to WCF over more than two decades has been nothing short of transformational.
“Her vision, commitment and passion for employee ownership have shaped the culture and success of our business.
“While we will miss her leadership, Jo leaves behind a strong foundation and a talented team who will continue building on her legacy.
“We look forward to continuing the journey she helped define by focusing on sustainable growth and empowering our employees to shape the future.”
