Jonathan Warburton

Jonathan Warburton has held the position of Chairman of the family business since 2001 -overseeing the company’s transition into a national brand. Beginning his career outside of Warburtons, Jonathan spent time gaining knowledge of the baking industry, as well as sales and marketing experience during his time with Unilever.

Joining Warburtons at the age of 23, he progressed from National Account Manager to Sales Director and then Marketing Director – overseeing the development of Warburtons iconic TV ad campaign featuring members of the Warburton family.

As a fifth generation Warburton, Jonathan – along with cousins Brett and Ross – assumed control of the business in 1991, following the retirement of their fathers.

In the decade that followed, Jonathan held the role of joint Managing Director and Commercial Director, laying out the three cousins’ strategy to take the family business from a Northern brand to a truly national one and setting out their vision to become Britain’s Favourite Baker.

During his time as Chairman, the business has seen growth of over 60% to a turnover in excess of £550m, with the number of bakery and distribution sites growing by over 40%.

Jonathan was a non-Executive Director of Samworth Brothers Limited for 20 years (1997) 2017) and also non-Executive Director of AG Barr Plc for 3 years (2010-2013).

Jonathan received an Honorary Doctorate from Manchester University in 2003.

Outside of the business, Jonathan is a keen sportsman, skiing enthusiastically and playing golf erratically! Married to Kim, they have four children, Charlotte, twins Harry and Jack and Angus.