Tatiana Woodhouse has joined the family firm as family director and David Wheeler as next generation family director.
Matthew Woodhouse, the third member of the eighth generation currently in the business, works full-time as head of offer and hospitality.
Anthony Woodhouse will continue in his role as chairman and as senior family director, he said: “It is an absolute pleasure to welcome David into the next generation role, and to see Tatiana promoted to family director.
“We take the stewardship of our 250-year-old business – something incredibly precious – extremely seriously.
Better shape
“Each generation’s role is to make certain that the objectives of the company are aligned with those of the family during their tenure, and, working with the executive team, to ensure it is handed over to the next custodians in better shape than they found it.
“Both Tatiana and David will add greatly to the dynamic of the board. The transition also sees the well-earned retirement of Mark Woodhouse, who has diligently served the company for 45 years. He leaves a lasting legacy.”
Managing director Matt Kearsey added: “We are delighted to welcome the next generation of the family to the board – a meaningful step in continuing the values, care, and long term vision that have defined our business for nearly 250 years.”
Tatiana brings a strong background in the charity and humanitarian sector, with over nine years’ experience working with NGOs (non-governmental organisation) in Lebanon.
She now runs CodeBrave Foundation, a UK charity funding innovative tech education projects for disadvantaged youth in Lebanon.
More connected
“I’m looking forward to further applying my experience in the charity sector to my role at H&W, supporting our company objectives of giving back to our local communities. I have always been deeply proud of our family’s values-led business, striving to be a real force for good, doing the right thing by its team and guests.
“I am honoured to help ensure H&W remains true to its founding values, continuing to serve our team and communities, providing a sustainable business for future generations”, she said.
David Wheeler studied medicine at university and has just completed his Masters at the Royal College of Music. He is a French horn player, often working with the BBC Symphony and London Symphony Orchestras.
Wheeler said: “I am really proud to have this opportunity to represent my generation on the H&W board. In learning more about the family business, I have come to better understand my family’s roots and values, feeling more connected to my grandmother.
“I’d like to engage other next generation shareholders in their family history and impress upon them the values that have enabled our business to remain strong for so many years.”
- This story was originally published in The Morning Advertiser’s sister publication MCA here.
