Meet the CRIPS team

John Hings, Finance Director and Company Secretary
Before establishing the Centric Pub Company, John was a Group Managing Director for twelve years; nine years with Mansfield Brewery Plc and three years with Cogent Elliott. His connection with the brewing industry remains strong and he is company secretary of the Orange Tree Group. John’s broad knowledge of company law keeps us all on the straight and narrow!

Brian Smith, Chairman
Brian is an internationally respected food technologist and snacks industry expert. Pioneer of the original Crips concept, he presides over the Crips family and is Principal of Booth Smith Food Technology. Brian’s experience as a food consultant spans 40 years in over 50 countries. His travels enable him to keep a watchful eye on snack developments in many parts of the world.

Gareth Smith, Managing Director
Gareth spent several years as an executive in the oil industry before founding the Orange Tree Group - a successful chain of pubs and restaurants across the East Midlands. Gareth’s entrepreneurial and marketing flair enabled him to realise his father, Brian’s, original snack idea and launch Crips onto the market.

Ben Hings, Director
Ben is a co-owner of the Orange Tree Group – the chain of pubs he started with Gareth. While running the pub group is a full time concern Ben sits on the Crips board and advises on marketing ,sales and all other operational aspects of the business.

Richard Fisk, Production Director
Richard is an experienced new product development manager who has successfully launched new snacks ranging from McCoys and Brannigans to KP Roysters. Richard works closely with Kevin developing the recipes and flavourings for the Crips product range.

Martin Read, Director
Martin is a development manager with a background in FMCG (fast moving consumer goods). He worked closely with Brian in the early days of recipe development and helps promote the Crips brand around the country alongside other innovative food products.

Kevin Wrathall, Technical Director
Kevin’s experience is as a technical consultant in the food processing industry. He has worked for several large food companies, including Golden Wonder and KP. Kevin personally oversees each production of Crips and has been involved in the development of the recipes and flavours.

Karl Traae, Sales and Marketing Director
Karl is an experienced sales manager with over 20 years experience in developing retail sales, marketing and wholesale distribution for a variety of UK and international companies. He also operated a successful events and exhibitions company promoting both commercial and cultural events throughout the UK.

Wendy Nuttall, Office Manager
After training for catering management, Wendy has continued advancing her skills by completing accounting and computer courses. She’s worked in various industries, using her secretarial, data management and accounting experience to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. She’s now at the hub of the Crips operation and the key point of contact in our office.

If you require any further information call Wendy on 01332 865220, or email her on wendy@cripsnacks.com and she’ll put you in touch with the right person.