Wick Hill managing director retires after 20 years in role

After 20 years in the role with Wick Hill, and having reached retirement age, managing director Ken Ward is stepping down, but will continue to work on projects “in an advisory role”.

Ward has worked closely with Wick Hill chairman Ian Kilpatrick as the company reached annual sales of £100 million.

Kilpatrick said: “Ken is a one-off. He has been instrumental in the growth of Wick Hill, both in the UK and DACH regions, and in laying the foundations for our future growth, as well as developing the Wick Hill way of doing business.

“Ken and I complement each other well. I was front-of-house and Ken was back of house, making sure that everything worked. I count him as a good friend and in 20 years we have never had a row – I don’t know how he put up with me for so long!”

Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky Lab, said of Ward’s retirement: “Our relations go back many years, and Ken’s belief in our brand and product helped us a lot in breaking into the two most important European Markets – Germany and the UK.

“Wick Hill’s channel experience influenced European SME strategy of Kaspersky Lab for many years to come. I wish Ken all the best in his new endeavours and to be as lucky with his golf partners as we were with him in business.”

Ward said: “I have been fortunate to work with Ian Kilpatrick as we have differing but complementary skills, which made for a strong partnership. I have been looking forward to retirement for some time now, but the downside is that I will miss all my working friends, colleagues, vendors and resellers.

“As part of Rigby Private Equity, and alongside Zycko, I’m sure the company will go onto greater things and become a major player in Europe.”

In retirement, Ward is planning to pursue his hobbies of golf, cycling and cars (he is currently renovating a Lotus Elan convertible) and spending more time with his family and grandchildren.

@AntonySavvas