After hitting a landmark milestone of 50 years working in the food and drink sector, wholesale stalwart Martin Williams has announced that he will be stepping down from his current roles as Co Chair of The Wholesale Group at the end of July, and as Associate Director, FWD at the end of the year.
“I have worked in the food and drink sector for my entire career, and consider 50 years a personal achievement that I’m incredibly proud of,” he said. “Of that half century, 42 years have been spent in wholesale, and what a wonderful world it is.
“But, as we all know, good things must come to an end and now, in this milestone year, it feels the right time to step back from my daily involvement in wholesale as I intend to embrace retirement with my patient family and three grandchildren.”
During his successful career, Martin has held numerous roles including 16 years as Managing Director of buying group Landmark Wholesale. He was Chairman of Confex for seven years, before becoming Co-Chair of The Wholesale Group when it launched in January 2025. He joined FWD in 2018 as Associate Director following his position as FWD Chair for the previous three years.
“Stepping away from both of these fantastic roles has been an incredibly difficult decision,” said Martin. “Both organisations do such amazing work and make such a difference. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with them and their teams and witness their development and support their growth and I look forward to watching their continued success.
Jess Douglas, Joint Managing Director, The Wholesale Group paid tribute to Martin: “As Chairman of Confex, Martin was instrumental in our growth and success, and has been integral to the successful launch of The Wholesale Group.
“For my brother and joint MD Tom and me, not only has Martin shared with us a wealth of knowledge and invaluable business acumen, but he has also become a most valued friend, and we – and the rest of The Wholesale Group – will be forever grateful for the time and support he so freely shared with us.
“We bid him farewell with the heaviest of hearts and wish him, Caroline and the whole family our warmest wishes for the future.”
James Bielby, CEO, FWD said: “Martin has been an incredible servant of wholesale generally and FWD in particular. From his spell as FWD chair to his years as associate director, he has helped transform FWD into the organisation it is today, trebling membership and revenues through his drive and determination.
“Martin’s capacity for hard work is unsurpassed and he lives and breathes the industry in everything he does. Ever helpful and available to all colleagues, he has been an endless source of good advice and happy to take on any task uncomplainingly and efficiently. To say he will be missed is a massive understatement.”
While spending time with the grandchildren is a priority for Martin’s plans outside of wholesale, it is clear that the children do still have some competition: “High on my list is my unwavering support for Super Luton Town as we march back to the Premiership!”
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