JML, the innovative consumer product brand, has announced two high profile additions to the company’s main board and a key internal promotion as part of ambitious growth plans following strong trading throughout the pandemic.

Susan Aubrey-Cound and Simon Hathway have both joined JML as non-executive directors.

Susan Aubrey-Cound spent ten years at Marks & Spencer where she was Head of Marketing before being appointed Executive Assistant to CEO Stuart Rose and latterly Director of Multichannel Development. Aubrey-Cound then joined Daily Mail Group as CEO of Ecommerce, before joining the founders at Tel Aviv AI tech startup Syte to launch and scale the business. Her experience in ecommerce and digital technologies will play a significant role in supporting JML’s continued D2C sales growth.

Simon Hathway has 23 years of international retail experience, having formerly held senior positions at Sainsbury’s, AS Watson and Wilko. Most recently, Simon was Commercial and Buying Director at Action, one of Europe’s fastest growing discount retailers, where he played a key role in expanding the company’s distribution network. Simon’s expertise will support JML’s trading growth plans in the UK and internationally.

Hathway says “I’ve known JML for many years and am delighted to be joining a business that is a global leader for innovative consumer products and is really evolving the way that it connects with its customers. I look forward to supporting the next exciting phase of growth and development ahead.”

Aubrey-Cound further commented “JML’s dynamic team have built a strong foundation for growth based on product innovation and channel development. I’m excited to be joining the board at such an interesting time, and look forward to working with the team to evolve the business.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Dickens who joined JML in 2007 has been promoted to Group Marketing Director. Dickens was previously responsible for creative design and video content production.

Results for the full calendar year of 2020 show that JML reported a 92% uplift in direct-to-consumer revenues, including a 129% increase online, a result of high demand for the company’s products that solve everyday problems in the home. Fitness, sleep, personal grooming, storage and household cleaning were categories in which JML has been particularly successful.

Ken Daly, CEO, has stated that whilst D2C sales are growing fast for JML, the company is driving its wholesale revenues through major retailers as well. Referencing the new appointments, Daly said, ‘We are absolutely delighted that Susan and Simon are joining us. They are well-respected figures in the retail industry and their appointments reflect our commitment to continued growth, equally through our ecommerce business and together with our wholesale network, both in the UK and internationally.’