Palmer and Harvey appoints new sales and commercial director

Palmer and Harvey, the UK’s largest delivered wholesaler, has announced Martyn Ward’s appointment as sales and commercial director, who will start at the beginning of July. 

Ward joins from SSL International where he was regional managing director for Northern Europe. Consumer healthcare company SSL, which was bought by FMCG giant Reckitt Benckiser in 2010, owned brands including Scholl and Durex. While at SSL, Ward grew the business by “driving profitability, changing the company culture, re-focusing strategy and developing a culture of innovation”.

Prior to SSL, Ward worked at Alliance Unichem, where he was commercial director responsible for sales, marketing and buying for the UK business. Ward says, “I’m looking forward to working for such a well regarded business and really want to communicate the quality of the Palmer and Harvey offer. It’s a pivotal time for the commercial team as we look to increase sales, and part of my remit will be to focus our teams on enthusing our customers and suppliers, to further strengthen these valuable relationships.” Ward’s responsibilities also cover sales, following former sales director Paul Hagon’s move to the newly created role of group strategy and development director.