From Fresh Produce to Boardrooms: Mark Harpham’s Journey and the Rise of the Non-Exec Director
In this episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, Managing Director Richard Hanwell sits down with Mark Harpham, a seasoned leader in the fresh produce sector, to explore his remarkable career, the evolution of the food supply chain, and why stepping into a non-executive director (NED) role after retirement was one of the best decisions he’s made.
From Spalding to Spitalfields – A Career Begins
Born and bred in Spalding, Mark Harpham’s career began with a simple connection: his father, a farmer who later worked at Geest. After completing a French and Business degree, Mark reached out directly to the MD of Geest’s London office, expressing interest in a role that would allow him to use his language skills.
A spontaneous interview (conducted entirely in French over drinks!) led to a job offer and the start of a career that would span multiple decades, businesses, and boardrooms.
“It was as simple as that, really – it’s like falling off a stone,” Mark recalled.
A Golden Era of Collaboration – And Then a Shift
Mark spent several decades in the produce industry, witnessing first-hand a "sweet spot" between the 1980s and early 2000s where collaboration between importers, retailers, growers, and exporters flourished. Margins were healthy, partnerships were productive, and the entire supply chain seemed to thrive.
But things changed. Following the 2008 financial crash, the rise of discounters like Aldi and Lidl shook up consumer behaviour and intensified pressure on suppliers. Retailers responded by tightening margins and becoming more aggressive with pricing.
“Margins reduced dramatically, and that pressure went all the way down the chain,” Mark explained.
Yet, he believes this shift had a silver lining - it forced businesses to become leaner, more efficient, and more focused on delivering genuine value.
Partnerships, Not Just Products
Despite the tougher commercial landscape, Mark believes strong relationships with retailers are still possible, but only for those who understand how to add value rather than cost.
The real opportunity, he says, lies in vertical integration: controlling more of the supply chain, from varietal development and breeding all the way through to final delivery into supermarket depots. This not only differentiates businesses but also makes them more appealing to retailers and consumers alike.
“It’s about having a USP, a unique selling point, and proving that what you do genuinely adds value, not cost.”
Life After Exec: Becoming a Non-Exec Director
After selling his business and stepping away from full-time work in 2018, Mark didn’t anticipate returning to the boardroom, but a call from a former colleague changed that.
He was invited by a private equity firm to conduct commercial due diligence on a business in their portfolio. That soon led to a formal NED appointment, representing the investors on the board.
Since then, Mark has embraced the unique value that NEDs bring: offering calm, strategic guidance without getting caught up in day-to-day operations.
“It’s a massive change from being an exec. As a non-exec, you’re not involved in the daily noise. You get to step back, see the big picture, and offer insight with less emotion and more objectivity.”
Why Non-Exec Directors Matter More Than Ever
In today’s fast-moving, cost-sensitive environment, the right non-exec can help guide a business through challenges, growth phases, or structural changes. Mark works around four days a month in his NED role, with flexibility depending on business needs. Remote meetings, mentoring, and regular touchpoints keep him closely involved without the stress of operational leadership.
“If we’d had a non-exec when I was running the business, knowing what I know now I’d absolutely have brought one in.”
The Takeaway: Experience Has Lasting Value
Mark’s journey highlights the enduring value of experience, not just in strategy and supply chain management, but in the calm, steady leadership that experienced professionals can bring post-retirement. Whether you're a business looking to bring in a NED, or a leader considering the next chapter of your career, his story shows the potential for a win-win.
“There’s no shortcut to experience. But if you’ve got it, there’s still huge value you can offer.”
