FSW was formed by the merger of the RPW and NRW regional wholesalers in 2010. Since then, the business – owned by Fridge Spares Wholesale in Ireland – has grown to become the UK’s largest national independent wholesaler.

In addition to 24 wholesale branches, the UK business also comprises the JustOneCall and NRWfm retail support operations, specialist cabinet spares supplier ESP, and manufacturing arm Beacon Design & Engineering.

Mr Henderson said: “We have come a long way since 2010 but it is time for a new team to take the business to the next level. I will continue to provide some support to FSW for as long as they require it.”

Mr Henderson’s career in the industry spans some 39 years; he started out as a management trainee with J&E Hall in 1979. A spell with cabinet manufacturer, Sadia, was followed by 17 years with NRS – now known as Wolseley’s Climate Center – where he rose to become sales and marketing director.