Paul Walker has been named the new chairman of the Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association, swapping roles with former head Chris Hutchinson.
Hutchinson, the managing director of Arthur Hutchinson Ltd at the East London wholesale market, will now take Walker’s previous role of vice chair following a 14-year spell in the top job.
Walker, who had been vice chairman since 2010, has worked in the fruit trade since the age of 13, when he began his first part-time job for a greengrocer on Basildon Market.
When he left school he worked part-time for Waldon Fruit, his father’s firm at Stratford Wholesale Market, before permanently joining the business six months after it had moved to New Spitalfields.
He worked in every role at the company and, to supplement his income, also ran five market stalls and did a catering round after work. Fourteen years ago, aged 30, he took over the company from his father.
Commenting on his appointment as SMTA chair, Walker said: “I feel very honoured to have been asked to take over from Chris. His are big shoes to fill.
“He’s been the chairman for as long as I can remember and he has done a tremendous job. Chris has also taught me a huge amount about this role over the last few years and hopefully I can now do as good a job as he has done.”
Referring to his responsibilities in the new role, he added: “Every decision you make has to have the best interest of the market at heart.
“With a possible move on the horizon and the running costs of the market rising, I’m sure there will be some difficult negotiating coming up as I do my very best to fight to keep costs and conditions as good for tenants as possible.”
Hutchinson, who is the second member of his family to chair the SMTA, following his father’s 13-year tenure in the same role, said he was “extremely proud” to have served the market’s tenants.
He added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the role, including both the pleasure of representing the market in the UK and overseas and the behind-the-scenes elements of chairing a board of wholesalers who share my passion – for New Spitalfields, for fresh produce and flowers, and for the wholesale market industry.”
