Third generation of Bakers family steps up as company directors

Independent print and packaging business, Bakers, has appointed Harry and Tom Baker as its directors, formally bringing the third generation of the Baker family into the leadership of the company.

Harry has been appointed as commercial director, while Tom takes on the role of operations director. Both have taken on growing responsibility at the company over the past few years and have gradually become more involved in the decisions shaping its future trajectory.

Bakers was founded by Roy and Marian Baker in 1973 and is today led by their son, managing director Steve Baker. Steve felt that the timing was right for Harry and Tom to take the next step, as the company heads into one of the most significant periods of growth and investment in its history.

Steve Baker says: “Harry and Tom have both been doing more and more for some time, so this isn’t a case of suddenly giving them a title and expecting them to grow into it. They’ve already been growing into the roles.

“I felt a difference as soon as we made it official. Some of the weight shifted. They’re going to have their own ideas, they’ll challenge things, and they’ll want to push the business in their own way. That’s healthy and it’s what we need.”

Harry has spent much of the past few years closely involved with BakPac, Bakers’ flexible packaging division, playing a significant role in its commercial growth. As commercial director, his view now broadens across the company’s other divisions, namely Baker Labels, Baker Materials, BakPac, and Sportstiks.

Tom’s new role focuses on the operational side of the business including production, processes, systems, training, and standards. He will aim to support the teams already running the day-to-day operation while bringing greater clarity and structure as Bakers grows.

Steve will remain managing director and continue to be closely involved in both the day-to-day business and its longer-term direction.

The appointments come as Bakers prepares to reveal details of Operation Next Gen, a major multi-million-pound investment programme that will aim to significantly expand the company’s manufacturing footprint and capacity. Further details of Operation Next Gen are set to be announced in due course.

Bakers has already invested in a range of equipment and infrastructure upgrades in recent years, having spent well over £6m across 2025 and 2026 alone. This includes installing the UK’s first Durst Tau G3 Peak LED in September 2026 and purchasing over £1m of kit at Labelexpo 2025.