Johnson’s Veterinary Products, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of pet healthcare products, has appointed Jonathon Gwynn to the role of Assistant Finance and Accounts Manager, as it looks to the future and continuity of the family-owned business.
Recognising the importance of maintaining the family presence within the business, Jonathon who is the son of current Johnson’s Managing Director Paul Gwynn, was invited to join the business personally by former Chairman David Johnson, who sadly passed away in July 2022.
Johnson’s Managing Director Paul Gwynn commented: “For more than 100 years Johnson’s has been a family business and David was adamant we retain our independence. He understood our strength lay in recruiting the next generation, who would bring fresh thinking to the pet trade.
“Jonathon is the latest family member to join the business, following the recent arrivals of his brother Matthew and David’s grandson, Jack Franks. It is gratifying to build a family legacy, with the ambition, commitment and enthusiasm to drive Johnson’s forward for another century.
“Jonathon spent most of his school and university holidays working here at Johnson’s, which has ensured he has hit the ground running, despite the years away. It’s like welcoming colleagues back to work, rather than new personalities who need time to understand the Johnson’s way.
“Our determination to retain family at the heart of the business not only provides the continuity Johnson’s needs, but instils confidence in our customers that little will change in our support for the pet trade, from which they have benefitted since 1921.”
New Assistant Finance and Accounts Manager, Jonathon Gwynn, commented: “Whilst I enjoyed my time at RBC Brewin Dolphin, one of the largest UK wealth management firms, this is an exciting time to join the family business as it develops and looks to the future.
“Johnson’s continues to grow and it’s imperative we maintain this momentum. Developing new products, delivering effective sales campaigns and adapting to meet the evolving needs of our valued customers, requires efficient processing and careful planning.
“I have always been committed to giving my best in every role but working with close family and colleagues in the supportive environment of Johnson’s has reinforced my determination to deliver on the faith shown in me.”
Profile - Jonathon Gwynn
Age: 28
Role at JVP: Assistant Finance and Accounts Manager
Experience: I graduated in 2017 with a BSc in Economics, Finance & International Business from Oxford Brookes University. I then moved into Birmingham city centre and worked as an associate consultant at JDX Consulting for a short time before joining RBC Brewin Dolphin to work in investment management for 5 years while completing my Chartered Wealth Management qualifications with CISI (Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments). This expanded my practical knowledge of the industry and build a robust professional network in the Midlands community.
What excites you most about joining JVP: Joining a family business held in such high regard within the UK pet healthcare industry is an incredibly exciting prospect. Johnson’s has thrived for over 100 years whilst diligently servicing the UK pet trade, its customers, and pet owners. To be invited by Mr David Johnson to become part of that important journey moving forward is a privilege, even more so being able to forge that future roadmap alongside dedicated family members and colleagues.
In my younger years, I spent many a holiday and much of my gap year working at Johnson’s which allowed me to gain valuable insight and develop relationships which has nurtured a welcoming working environment the moment I stepped through the door. I look forward to not only absorbing crucial experience cultivated by leadership spanning a century, but also contributing my own external experience to help Johnson’s innovate and prosper for years to come.
What do you think the future holds for the pet industry: The future for the pet industry is an exciting one. The changing needs and desires of pet owners today has meant that Johnson’s must continue to adapt to modern pet-ownership trends of the next generation whilst delivering the affordable, quality products our loyal customers have come to expect over the last 100 years. In a digital age, it is of paramount importance we also continue to champion sustainable manufacturing practice which is at the forefront of pet-owners’ minds as shown in our recent Pet Owner Survey Report.
In such a period of economic uncertainty, customers more than ever are demanding value for money when purchasing products for the pets they love as part of the family. It will be crucial for Johnson’s to raise awareness and continue supporting independent pet shops that are so vital in offering guidance and advice to valued customers. As part of Johnson’s heritage, we are committed to the continued support of sharing this positive message with pet owners who can benefit from their extensive knowledge and personable service to aid decision-making.
Favourite Animal, and why: As pets, dogs are the obvious choice. Generally, Penguins and Toucans are high on the list due to how unique and entertaining they are.
Likes: Travelling, Arsenal, Cinema, Formula 1, Country walks (preferably with a pub en route), Clay Shooting
Dislikes: Tottenham Hotspur, Mushrooms, Tomato Ketchup
