James Cropper plc, the Kendal-based Advanced Materials and Paper & Packaging group, announced that Chief Innovation Officer Patrick Willink has informed the board of his intention to retire from the firm in April 2026.

As part of an orderly retirement process, Willink will step down from the board on March 29, 2025, but remain employed by the company for a further 12 months as Strategic Adviser and member of the Executive Committee “supporting the development of strategy and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership, particularly within the Centre for Innovation.”

Willink first joined James Cropper in 1990 and was appointed to the board in 1998. He was instrumental in the development of the James Cropper Cupcycling facility and Colourform product offering.

James Cropper chair Mark Cropper said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Patrick for his extraordinary contribution. 

“Over 34 years, Patrick has been a formidable force both within James Cropper and across broader industry.

“His exceptional leadership and approach to innovation has helped to position James Cropper as an advanced materials business with capabilities aligned to secular global trends and exciting growth prospects. 

“We look forward to working with Patrick on the Board until 29 March, and for a further 12 months in his capacity as Strategic Adviser on the Executive Committee.”

 Willink said: “It has been a real privilege to have played a part in the development of the company from being a speciality papermill into a globally recognised paper, packaging and advanced materials business, serving some of the world’s biggest brands and operating at the leading edge in our chosen sectors. 

“I believe we have built a strong foundation of innovation and inventiveness that will allow James Cropper to develop significantly over the coming years.”