About Reynolds

The senior team at Reynolds

Reynolds continues to live by its heritage as a family business. Tony Reynolds, managing director, is the grandson of William Reynolds who first set up his fruit and veg stall at an East London market in 1945.

Today, Tony is supported by an expert and dynamic senior management team:

Dave Reynolds, Chairman

In 1955, after a brief career as an electrical engineer, Dave joined the Reynolds business full time at the age of 16. A few years later he completed a spell of National Service, before rejoining the company.

Dave was Reynolds’ first driver, delivering fruit and veg in his van to a growing group of restaurant customers across London and Essex. Pam, Dave’s wife, would take the orders. Dave and Pam have been together since they were 14 and both still play an active role in the business.

Tony Reynolds, Managing Director

Tony is a third generation greengrocer who has been involved with the family business since childhood, initially working the market stall in Ridley Road, Hackney.

After an early career in banking at Barclays, Tony joined the family business alongside his father Dave in 1988. Since then, he has driven the rapid expansion of Reynolds to the multi-million pound company it is today.

He retains his passion for fresh produce and is often spotted on the warehouse floor checking out the evolving variety of fresh fruit and veg coming through the doors.

Paul Collins, Commercial Director

Paul has been involved in fresh produce since the age of 5, starting out as a second generation greengrocer in his father’s and then his own produce business. In addition to over 20 years at Reynolds, Paul has extensive past experience of other fresh produce providers.

Paul has worked as a general manager, headed up sales and operations, human resources and is now commercial director at Reynolds, where he oversees sales, marketing, food development, customer service and procurement.

Russell Smith, HR Director

Russell studied in Liverpool and completed his CIPD accreditation in 1990. He joined Reynolds in late 2008 and has 20 years’ experience in HR having worked with Akzo Nobel, GEC, Geest, Gillette and Interserve in various HR management roles.

Russell’s career has focused on change management and organisational development. He was born in Edinburgh but has spent most of his life living and working in England.

Peter Gibbs, Operations Director

Before joining Reynolds in 2009, Peter worked in various operational and commercial roles with Palmer & Harvey, TDG and Gist. During this time he worked with a diverse range of high quality and demanding customers; from independent retailers to brands such as M&S, Shell, Nestle, Diageo, Honda, ELC and FCUK.

In his early career, Peter served in the forces; initially in the Irish Guards then as an Army Pilot. He holds an MBA and is also a member of MENSA, the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport and the IOD.

A family man, Peter is married with four children and spends most of his spare time either pitch side at school rugby matches or battling with the garden.

Ian Booth, Technical Director

Ian holds a Bachelor and Masters degree in Quality Management of Food and has worked in technical and operational roles throughout the food industry.

His expertise lies in implementing management systems, specifically quality, safety and environmental with complex supplier relationships. He has worked with, or consulted for brands such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury and Cadbury, throughout Europe, Africa and North America. Ian believes in working to the highest possible standards, not just the minimum required.

Ian is also a voluntary director of the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology.

Andy Austin, Head of Finance

Andy successfully graduated in Sheffield with a degree in Business Studies, before commencing a career in the automotive industry and obtaining his CIMA qualification in 2000.

Following a short spell living in Australia, Andy continued to work within the automotive industry, holding a number of senior roles within an OEM and several first tier suppliers. Andy eventually joined Reynolds in 2010, seeking a change of industry.

Andy is a keen football supporter and golfer, who spends most of his free time with his young family.