New chief executive officer at Wainwright
Long-serving chief executive Peter Barkwill succeeded by chief operating officer Tom Longland
AFTER 26 years in post, Wainwright’s chief executive officer Peter Barkwill has stepped aside. He is succeeded by Tom Longland, who joined as chief operating officer in April 2023 as part of the company’s succession plan.
Mr Barkwill will remain involved in Wainwright as a non-executive director and advisor to the senior team. During his tenure as chief executive officer, the company’s turnover and profitability have increased more than tenfold – with the last three years being the most profitable in Wainwright’s history.
Having joined in 1985, Peter was initially appointed as quarry manager and quickly promoted to the role of quarry director. He was made managing director in 1997 and his title changed to chief executive officer following the opening of Avonmouth Asphalt in 2016.
Tom Longland joined Wainwright from Brett Aggregates, where he was managing director from 2019. Prior to that, he worked for 19 years in a variety of senior management roles for Aggregate Industries.
‘Peter Barkwill is a hard act to follow,’ said Wainwright chairman Philip Percival. ‘But in Tom we have in place somebody who has the experience, skills, and personality to lead Wainwright for the next 20 years.’
‘It’s an exciting time for Wainwright, and a great privilege to take over from someone of Peter’s stature,’ added Mr Longland. ‘I look forward to leading the team as we continue to build for the future.’
Commenting on his change in role, Mr Barkwill said: ‘I’ve loved my time as Wainwright’s chief executive and look forward to maintaining my connections as a non-executive director. With Tom at the helm, supported by an exemplary team, the company is in great hands.’
