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Meet the team

Our management team

Simon Turner

Managing Director

Simon Turner

Simon runs the day-to-day operations at Wrekin – the logistics, warehousing, sales, purchasing and all commercial aspects of the business.

He originally had no plans to join the business his dad, Stan Turner, had started more than 30 years ago but took a summer job there after finishing university – and the rest is history.

He’s been involved in every aspect since, from offloading containers to developing new products. He’s particularly proud when a member of the team reports back that a solution the firm has designed for a client has had great results.

He also admits to keeping an eye out for Wrekin products on roads and sites around the country, even if he does get some strange looks!

A passionate sports fan – particularly of his beloved Nottingham Forest – he enjoys spending time with his daughters, playing golf and experimenting in the kitchen.

Technical Director

Simon Gibson

Simon joined Wrekin in 2015 with a decade’s worth of experience in research, innovative design, product development and pioneering new methods of working.

Now, he manages Wrekin’s international technical team, which is committed to delivering new product developments and constant refinements to the business’ portfolio, and oversees production at our Lichfield site.

As chair of the Road Surface Treatments Association’s Ironworks Committee, Simon is also responsible for standards advocacy and product compliance.

His proudest moment is supporting the team to recreate and widen Wrekin’s Highway range of manhole and gully tops, which can now be spotted installed on roads across the country – working to keep the UK safe.

When he’s not at work, you can find him spending time with his family on a boat – either racing on lakes or exploring around the coast.

Simon Gibson
Alex Gardiner

Director of Marketing

Alex Gardiner

Alex joined Wrekin in 2020, bringing nearly two decades of hands-on marketing experience, from crafting materials and building websites, to running campaigns, organising exhibitions and everything in between.

Today, he leads Wrekin’s marketing department, ensuring the value we offer is clearly communicated and that working with us is as smooth and responsive as it should be. Alex has been instrumental in driving an industry leading digital marketing approach. Leading the company’s rebrand in 2021, and delivering both a new website and a powerful product information management (PIM) system.

His proudest achievement is launching and championing The Sea Starts Here campaign, particularly seeing it introduced in schools to help educate the next generation about environmental responsibility.

When he’s not at work, you’ll usually find him with his young family or lost in music – discovering new sounds or playing them himself.

Director of Operations

Steve O'Brien

Steve joined Wrekin in October 2024, bringing over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing and distribution of construction products, spanning everything from national supply chains to hands-on foundry work.

His career includes 15 years in foundry operations and steel production, manufacturing security covers and frames, followed by another 15 years leading large-scale supply chain and distribution businesses. With responsibility for warehousing, extensive fleets and procurement worth up to half a billion pounds annually, Steve has worked across multiple sectors including Civils and Infrastructure, KBB, and Glass.

He’s built a reputation in merchanting, manufacturing and logistics for driving high standards and championing a straightforward philosophy: Safer, Better, Faster. He believes it’s the people that make the real difference and focuses on hiring for attitude, promoting common sense, and embedding repeatable processes. Because, when motivation dips, good habits keep the wheels turning.

When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him outdoors, playing golf, enjoying country pursuits, or watching rugby or cricket (ideally with a cold beer in hand). While gardening isn’t his thing, he’ll happily cut the grass and tidy up. Especially if it allows him to fire up the barbecue and spend time with family and friends.

Steve O'Brien