Famous Harrogate family business's announcement: Two senior leadership appointments as part of changes to leadership structure
New managing directors have been announced by Bettys & Taylors Group in Harrogate.
The iconic family business has revealed two senior leadership appointments as part of a planned evolution of its leadership structure.
Fiona Fox will join the business this autumn as Managing Director of Taylors of Harrogate.
Fiona joins from Inspired Pet Nutrition, where she has been Chief Commercial Officer for the past three and a half years.
Before that, she held senior roles at Mars and Procter & Gamble, gaining extensive experience in growing much-loved brands.
Paul Coupe has been appointed Managing Director of Bettys.
Paul has been with the business for more than nine years and most recently served as Operations Director across both the Bettys and Taylors businesses.
The appointments follow planned leadership transitions by the current Managing Directors.
After 17 years leading Taylors, Andy Brown has stepped down as Managing Director and remains with the business as Chair Elect, ahead of succeeding Clare Morrow as Chair of the Board when she retires in March 2027.
Simon Eyles has stepped down as Bettys Managing Director and continues to serve as a member of the Group’s Co-CEO.
Clare Morrow, Chair of Bettys & Taylors Group Board, said: “These appointments represent an exciting moment for our family business.
"Fiona brings an impressive track record of leading well-loved brands, while Paul combines deep operational expertise with an understanding of our people, values and customers.
"Both are outstanding leaders and will play an important role in shaping the future of Bettys & Taylors.”
Founded on July 17, 1919 by Frederick Belmont, Bettys has evolved from a single storefront into a world-famous culinary institution.
Timeline: Bettys & Taylors Group in Harrogate
1886: Charles Taylor and his two sons set up a tea and coffee company in Harrogate.
1919: Belmont opens the first Bettys in Harrogate with financial support from his wife Claire's family.
The origin of the name "Bettys" is unknown.
1922: A purpose-built craft bakery opens to meet the demand for Belmont's Swiss-confectionery and baked goods.
1962: Bettys acquires tea and coffee company Taylors of Harrogate, forming the modern group