News
Chris Berry Retires: A Lasting Impact on the Marine Industry
Chris Berry, the Deputy CEO of Flexiteek International has recently announced his retirement. This news follows over four decades of dedication and an exceptional contribution to the marine industry.
The announcement comes five years after Flexiteek acquired Wilks (Rubber Plastics) MFGS Co. Ltd based in Tollesbury, where Chris had been joint Managing Director with his brother Scott Berry. Ron and Marie Berry started Wilks in 1973 from their garden shed and grew to the leading marine fendering and decking business it is today. As part of the Flexiteek Group, the Tollesbury production facility manufactures both Flexiteek and Wilks products.
“Chris has made a significant contribution to the business, bringing his extensive experience to Flexiteek, and has been respected and well-liked by everyone. He will be greatly missed by the team.”
Tomas Gustafsson, CEO of Flexiteek International
Chris joined the team full-time at Wilks in January 1980 and exhibited at The London Boat Show at Earls Court for the company, a show he had been attending with his dad, Ron Berry, since the age of 13 when Wilks first appeared there. Since then, Chris has been a regular attendee at different boat shows around the world, from Dubai, Shanghai, and Singapore to Metstrade and IBEX, creating lasting business relationships across the marine sector.
“I have been lucky enough to meet some incredible people during my time at Wilks and latterly Flexiteek International. It has been a privilege to work alongside an amazing group of people, particularly my brother Scott, in his role as Joint Managing Director at Wilks and CFO at Flexiteek. I remember my casual meeting with Tomas Gustafsson at IBEX seven years ago, which led to Wilks joining the Flexiteek Group. Tomas has been an incredible colleague and friend. And I will miss the team greatly.”
Chris Berry, Deputy CEO of Flexiteek International
In 2023, Chris received the British Marine ‘David Coleman Excellence in Exporting’ Award, recognising his hard work in the marine sector.
“Working with Chris has been an honour and the award we both picked up underlines the significant impact he has had both on our business and the wider marine sector.”
Scott Berry, Chief Financial Officer of Flexiteek International
Chris Berry will officially retire on 20th June 2024. He will continue in a consultancy role for Flexiteek International UK and join the board of directors for the Flexiteek Group.
As Chris transitions into retirement, we acknowledge his many achievements and thank him for his commitment and hard work.
ABOUT FLEXITEEK INTERNATIONAL AND WILKS
Flexiteek create beautifully engineered synthetic decking and marine products.
Flexiteek launched in 2000 with a revolutionary synthetic decking product. Now available in its second generation, Flexiteek is available in over thirty colour combinations and is trusted by over two hundred global boat builders.
Wilks marine fendering products have been produced in the UK for over 50 years. Wilks has a wide range of fendering options available and renowned customer service from the UK based sales team.
For more information about our products, visit:
Flexiteek – https://www.flexiteek.com
Wilks – https://www.wilks.co.uk
PRESS CONTACTS
All press and media enquiries to Steve Moore – Marketing Manager.
Email: [email protected]
Call: +44 (0) 1621 869609
