Lindsay Austin’s expertise in UK and global roles includes global head of retail at Topman, Topshop, head of retail at Mamas & Papas – and leading Marks & Spencer’s north east region.
As MD of The Bayford Group, which marks its centenary this year, Lindsay is responsible for overseeing its four divisions comprising energy, property, hospitality and a charitable foundation. With record profits of £17m last year the Group is heading for an even better performance this year.
The 42-year-old MD takes over from Liz Slater who joined the business as a graduate trainee in 1988, progressing to board member in 1999 and to group MD in 2007.
Working closely with entrepreneur and founder Jonathan Turner, Liz has overseen a raft of acquisitions during her time with the company. She was also instrumental with Jonathan in launching The Right Fuelcard Company (TRFC), the UK’s fourth largest fuel card supplier in which French pre-paid meal vouchers and card provider business, Edenred, purchased an 80% stake for £95m in 2018. The pair have grown and sold various businesses during their partnership.
“Lindsay’s wealth of commercial and operational experience highly-complement the group’s diverse companies,” said Jonathan.
“Her appointment comes at a formative period in our evolution in the energy sector.”
Most recently the Group launched Gulf Gas and Power in the UK and Holland to take advantage of the increasing electrification of transport and heating. Liz will be staying with the Group focusing on those businesses and new opportunities with Jonathan.
Earlier in the year the pair sold their shareholdings in Oilfast to fellow shareholders Campbell Brogan and Alan Tait.
The Bayford Group, which has its headquarters at Bowcliffe Hall, was launched at the end of the First World War by four soldiers from Leeds who, after being demobbed in the Hertfordshire village of Bayford, started a coal merchants’ business in Leeds.
“The company boasts a rich history and powerful track record which speaks volumes,
I’m looking forward to sustaining its successful operations in challenging and vibrant markets in the UK and Europe as we continue to diversify, evolve and expand,” commented Lindsay.