26 June 2024

Flexiteek International has announced the retirement of Chris Berry, their Deputy CEO, based in the UK. 

The announcement comes five years after Flexiteek acquired Wilks (Rubber Plastics) MFGS Co. Ltd based  in Tollesbury, where Chris had been joint Managing Director with his brother Scott Berry. Wilks was started by Ron and Marie Berry in 1973 from their garden shed and grew to the leading marine fendering and decking business it is today. As part of the Flexiteek Group, the Tollesbury production facility manufactures both Flexiteek and Wilks products. 

Tomas Gustafsson, CEO at Flexiteek, commented, “I would like to thank Chris who has made a significant contribution to the business by bringing his extensive experience to Flexiteek. He has been highly respected and well-liked by everyone. He will be missed by the team.” 

Chris joined the team full-time at Wilks in January 1980 and exhibited at The London Boat Show at Earls Court for the company, a show he had been attending with his dad, Ron Berry, since the age of 13 when Wilks first appeared there. Since then, Chris has been a regular attendee at different boat shows around the world, from Dubai, Shanghai, and Singapore to Metstrade and IBEX, creating lasting business relationships across the marine sector. 

Chris Berry commented, “I have been lucky enough to meet some incredible people during my time at Wilks and latterly Flexiteek International. It has been a privilege to work alongside an amazing group of people, particularly my brother Scott, in his role as Joint Managing Director at Wilks and CFO at Flexiteek. I remember my casual meeting with Tomas Gustafsson at IBEX seven years ago, which led to Wilks joining the Flexiteek Group. Tomas has been an incredible colleague and friend. I will miss the team greatly.” 

In 2023, Chris received the British Marine ‘David Coleman Excellence in Exporting’ Award, recognising his hard work in the marine sector. Scott Berry commented, “Working with Chris has been an honour and the award he picked up last year from British Marine underlines the significant impact he has had both on our business and the wider marine sector.”  

Chris Berry officially retired on 20th June 2024. He will continue in a consultancy role for Flexiteek International UK and join the board of directors for the Flexiteek Group.