The Writtle Holdings-owned Branded group brings together 10 businesses and has sales of around £50m.

The group includes graphic production businesses Magnet Harlequin and Technik, creative agency WHM&I, Global Brand Control (GBC), and retail display manufacturing operation Fero.

The collective was brought together just under three years ago. It has operations in the UK, US, India and China.

Richards was previously business development director charged with driving international growth. He has worked at the business for 13 years and originally joined Magnet Harlequin as an account director.

WMH&I client business directors Daisy Benn and Emmanuelle Hilson, have been promoted to the firm’s board. Associate directors Ed Watts (Magnet Harlequin) and Fay Shirley (Technik) have also been promoted to their respective boards.

Branded executive chairman Alan Wright said that the promotions were “richly deserved”.

“These promotions… demonstrate both our ambition forthe business and our commitment to developing the prodigious talent that we are fortunate to have. I am delighted for all.”

Clockwise from top left newly promoted Benn, Hilson, Shirley, and Watts

Wright, who will celebrate 40 years at the business later this year, told Printweek that while succession planning played a part in the moves, his retirement plans were still a way off.

Richards said he was delighted at the opportunity to lead the group in its next stage of expansion.
He said Branded’s packaging expertise had “really resonated with clients”.

“I couldn’t ask for a more talented team and I’m pleased to welcome Daisy, Emmanuelle, Ed and Fay to work with myself, Alan and the rest of the Branded board in growing our business.”

Writtle Holdings’ portfolio of marketing services business also includes also includes permanent PoS specialist Arken POP.

In its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2021 Writtle posted sales of £31.45m and a pre-tax profit of £1.9m. Three new contract wins came on-stream during the second half.

Wright said the Branded business had had a good start to 2022, and had been busy “with much tender activity”. Its MyBrandstream proprietary system has also proved successful in pitches.