Gary “Butch” Hendrickson on Tuesday passed the mantle of leadership at National Baking Company to his son Craig, ushering in a new generation of leadership as the Jamaican manufacturer of baked goods prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

And while the elder Hendrickson stated that he does not expect his son to lead in exactly the same way he did, the new chief executive officer pledged to build on the legacy while reaffirming the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, efficiency, and improved performance to sustain growth.

Additionally, in a move to strengthen Jamaica’s manufacturing sector, the father-and-son duo announced that National will revive its Bold Ones programme, first launched in 2010 to support, mentor, and promote emerging small and medium-sized Jamaican manufacturers.

“After more than three decades in executive leadership I have decided to step back from the day-to-day running of the company. This is an important decision, but one I believe is right for the business and its future,” the elder Hendrickson told a news conference held at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston to launch the 75th anniversary.

“Craig has spent years working in different areas of National and developing an understanding of our operations, our people, and the challenges of running a manufacturing company. He has his own ideas and approach to leadership, and that is how it should be. I did not lead National exactly as my father did, and I don’t expect Craig to lead exactly as I have. Each generation must find ways to improve the business and respond to the opportunities and challenges of its time,” he added.

“What matters is that we maintain the values and standards that have served National well, while continuing to make the changes necessary for the company to grow. I have confidence in Craig’s ability to take on this responsibility, and I know he understands the work that lies ahead,” said the elder Hendrickson who succeeded his father Karl at the helm of the family business established by his grandparents Reginald and Irene Hendrickson in St Elizabeth approximately 100 years ago.

The business later moved to Mandeville, laying the foundation for the current National Baking Company which today employs well over 800 Jamaicans and has become a household name, with operations here and abroad.

Giving a chronology of the company’s growth and development, the elder Hendrickson said when he assumed leadership from his father, he had the benefit of a strong foundation.

“My responsibility was to build on it, and that meant continuing to invest in the business, improving how we operated and preparing for changes in the industry,” he shared.

“Over the years, we’ve invested in machinery, production facilities, distribution and the systems needed to support a growing business. Those investments were necessary to improve efficiency, increase our capabilities and remain competitive. Not every decision was straightforward, and not everything worked as expected; that is part of running a business. You learn, make adjustments and keep moving forward,” he explained.

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you need capable people around you. You cannot build or operate a company of this size on your own, and you must give people the resources and opportunity to do their work well,” Butch Hendrickson said and moved to thank his employees who, he noted, have dedicated decades of service to the company.

“They have helped us through periods of growth, changes in technology and the challenges that come with manufacturing. Their experience and commitment have been essential to what the company has achieved,” he said.

“We have also been fortunate to have the support of customers, suppliers, distributors, and business partners who have contributed to National’s development over the years. I am grateful for the confidence they have placed in us,” he added.

The new CEO struck a similar note of gratitude with staff and customers.

“We will keep investing in our people, our manufacturing capabilities, and the technology we need to compete, while staying close to the customers and communities that built this company,” he said.

“Jamaica, thank you for the confidence you have placed in National and for the support you have given us for generations. I know the expectations are high. They should be. I am ready to get to work,” he added.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with leading this business, and I am prepared for the work ahead. We have a strong foundation, but respecting what has been built does not mean standing still. Our responsibility is to continue strengthening National and preparing it for the future,” the younger Hendrickson said.

He highlighted sales and operational efficiency as priorities, emphasising that the ability to grow sales must be supported by the company’s ability to manufacture, distribute, and consistently deliver the quality that customers expect.

Noting that success in the past does not guarantee success in the future the new CEO said, “We have made significant investments in our systems, infrastructure, and operations. What matters now is how effectively we use what we have to improve performance, support our sales ambitions, and keep the business growing”.

He also pointed out that National has built decades of strong brands and long-standing customer relationships, but it cannot take its position in the market for granted.

“We will stay close to our customers, understand consumers’ changing needs and pursue opportunities where we can deliver real value,” he said, adding, “Where processes create delays, waste resources, or make things unnecessarily complicated, my plan is to put in the work to improve them.”