JW Filshill bolsters commercial team with two new appointments

Glasgow-based wholesaler JW Filshill has restructured and strengthened its commercial team with the appointments of two category buyers to newly created positions.

Kyle Byers has joined Filshill as the category buyer for non-food and pet categories, while Stuart Auld has been appointed as the role of category buyer for food and third-party supply.

Both Byers and Auld will be reporting to Stuart Harrison, the wholesaler’s category manager for grocery and third-party supply.

Prior to joining Filshill, Byers and Auld previously worked together at Southeast Traders, a Cumbernauld-based wholesaler, distributor, exporter and brand owner where both dealt with Stuart Harrison on a regular basis.

In addition to the new appointments, other changes include Rory Galbraith, the category buyer, who will now take responsibility for the confectionery category reporting to Ed Bentley, the category manager for Impulse.

Derek Cowan, category manager, will also now be responsible solely for the Tobacco & Vape categories.

Chris Miller chief commercial officer at JW Filshill commented on the shifts to the commercial team: “The restructuring of our commercial team comes at a time when Filshill is growing and reflects changes in the marketplace, in particular tobacco/vaping which has become such a big part of our business and is a category with fast-moving trends/legislation that requires increased focus.

“Both Kyle Byers and Stuart Auld bring with them a wealth of experience in the wholesale sector and we are delighted to welcome them to the Filshill family as we expand our KeyStore estate and seek out the best deals for our customers across Scotland and the north of England.

“We are ambitious for the future as we grow our business on the back of a significant increase in our operational capacity, along with efficiency and productivity improvements, following our relocation to our purpose-built depot last year. Kyle and Stuart will play a key role in helping us achieve those ambitions.”

Byers, who previously worked for Fife-based confectionery specialist Rose Marketing, explained that Auld and himself are both familiar with Filshill as a business, and their experiences with the company have been positive: “When the opportunity to join Filshill came up, I jumped at the chance to be part of a business that has people at its core – its staff, customers and suppliers. It’s refreshing, too, that the company pushes the importance of a good work-life balance and involves staff in a wide range of issues including charity work and the community, health, wellbeing and mental health, and provides ongoing training.”

Auld’s past experience includes running his own RS McColl store and several years working with Palmer & Harvey: “For me, it’s important that my employer has a strong family focus and encourages teamwork as well as empowering staff to take decisions, make suggestions and speak up,” he added.

JW Filshill relocated from Hillington to Westway Park near Glasgow Airport in March 2023, and will mark its 150th anniversary next year.