Newton Aycliffe-based global phenomenon Crafter’s Companion has appointed a new head of commercial after seeing sales grow more than a third in the last year.
The award-winning craft supplies firm – which opened its new Aycliffe HQ in 2016 – saw its global turnover grow 38% in 2018, with an export sales growth of 59%.
And with its global employee count now standing at 180 strong, Crafter’s Companion is primed to continue leading the craft market with this new appointment.
Brown brings a strong knowledge of the UK craft market and years of experience in the TV shopping and e-commerce sectors from roles at Ideal World, Bid-Up TV and Hochanda.
His key achievements include helping to launch Hochanda TV and establishing it as a major TV player with a profitable status within the space of three years.
“I am extremely excited to be offered the opportunity to join Crafter’s Companion,” said Brown, who will be relocating to Aycliffe for his new role.
“Having worked indirectly with a number of the team, it is a privilege to now be directly part of such a dynamic and successful company.
“It is clear that Crafter’s Companion cares about the crafting community and helps to drive industry innovation and standards forward in such a positive direction, something I’m looking forward to being a part of.
“My priority is to lead by example and to invest my time and knowledge to develop and support the whole team. My main aim is to ensure we continue to drive the global company forward, and I look forward to working with Sara, Simon and the board to increase the success of Crafter’s Companion.”
Crafter’s founder Sara Davies MBE said: “I have known and worked with Ross for a number of years now, so I know he is the perfect fit for our company’s ethos.
“His ideas and understanding that we place the consumer at the heart of our business, as well as his vast range of experience in the craft sector, means that he is well placed to share our company’s vision.
“I’m thrilled that he will be joining the company and helping us to continue our growth strategy.”
Crafter’s opened two retail stores – in Aycliffe and Chesterfield – in 2016, and a further store at Evesham in 2017, to complement its presence online and in thousands of retail stores across the world.