VARSITY - Key Persons
In his role at Varsity's helm, Andrew has overseen and enjoyed contributing to the company's dramatic growth and business development.
Experience
Starting his working life as an industrial services trainee in the water treatment industry, Andrew entered the world of sales in the board industry with Hedsorboard in 1982, rising quickly to become their Southern Sales Manager. This was followed by three years as General Manager with a paper merchant, which led to him joining Varsity as General Manager in 1992. Andrew was appointed as Managing Director in 1996.
Interests
Andrew is married with 3 boys. Suffering from a long term knee injury himself, Andrew likes to keep fit by walking and cycling and enjoys regularly eating out.
Debbie's natural ability to communicate with clients, understanding their needs and finding solutions, has made her a popular and vital asset to the Varsity team.
Experience
The only true "local" in our Reading office, Debbie joined Varsity in 1993 and her previous experience in both mail order and goods exporting has proved invaluable towards ensuring orders are processed quickly and efficiently.
Interests
Reading's wide-ranging choice of retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment facilities respectively fuel Debbie's main interests - shopping, eating out and the theatre. Followed by more shopping.
Job Titles:
- Field Sales and Technical Manager
An enthusiastic traveller, Gary covered the whole of the UK for many years until Steve and Simon joined the Sales Team. Today Gary oversees the Sales and Technical sides of the business using his years of experience in the carton trade to provide clients with solutions, wherever they are needed.
Gary started in the cartonboard industry in 1981 and joined Varsity in 1999. With his excellent interpersonal skills and highly in-depth technical and product knowledge, Gary has the great ability to provide solutions for customers. As Field Sales and Technical Manager, Gary has made a significant contribution to the professionalism and success of the business.
Experience
Starting as a management trainee, Gary worked for two Swedish board manufacturers before moving into sales with Warren Board Sales, where he worked with Ian Bedwell. He progressed to outside sales, before leaving after 5 years. After a short period out of the trade Gary took the opportunity to move back into merchanting, joining Varsity in 1999.
Interests
A golfer and a long distance runner; competing in the Milton Keynes half marathon for many years, Gary enjoys all sports and relaxes at home with music and reading.
Georgina (Georgie) has brought a breath of fresh air to the Varsity team. In her role as a Sales Administrator, Georgina will be a daily phone contact for many customers, many of whom are already enjoying Georgina's lovely bright personality.
Experience
Georgina joined the Varsity team from college, after a brief period working for a training company whilst completing her course placement. Having dealt with students regarding their course options and training needs, Georgina gained good telephone confidence. Moving to the world of packaging, opened up her eyes to this "under the public radar" industry. Like most, she had no idea what went into producing a takeaway clam shell, or a cereal box. A great addition to the team, Georgina is very enthusiastic to learn more and engage with customers.
Interests
Georgina enjoys time with her family and meals out. She also loves cars, music and travel in equal measure.
Always the entrepreneur keen to identify new opportunities, Ian has enjoyed being able to apply his considerable knowledge and over 30 years experience in the cartonboard industry to Varsity's dynamic expansion.
Experience
Ian has been involved in sales of cartonboard all his working life having started as a trainee with Warren Board Sales, where he rose to the position of Sales Office Manager. True to form, Ian seized the opportunity to join Varsity in August 1996. Growing in confidence and with his vast industry experience, Ian now has full day-to-day responsibility for running the business.
Interests
Ian is married with twins, a boy and girl. Ian enjoys Football, NFL Football, music, concerts, films, eating out and walking.
In her role as Key Account Manager, Tina brings with her considerable relevant industry experience. Since joining Varsity in 2019, Tina already has and will continue to make a significant contribution to the business by supporting the companies major customers.
Experience
In 1990, Tina joined the customer services department of Metsaboard. Her qualities were recognised early on and in 1995 Tina became their first female Key Account Manager. Tina continued to enjoy success there, but decided to leave Metsaboard in 2003 to join an independent board agent. After only one year, Tina was headhunted by Hedsorboard and asked to lead their greeting card sector. In 2008, Tina was promoted to Branch Sales Manager where she effectively took over the day to day running of Hedsorboard. In 2019, Varsity were extremely delighted when Tina decided to join the Team.
Interests
Married with a daughter, Tina is a very sociable person, who enjoys cooking and hosting dinner parties. Her Italian and Finnish heritage drives her passion for good food and wine. Tina also loves to travel and explore new places.