Many Fellows will be saddened to learn that Frank Hemsworth, past Managing Director of Unipart International, passed way recently. Although Frank was not a `Fellow he was a regular attendee at the Midlands Gaydon Lunch and was well known to many Fellows.
Fellowship Committee Member Nigel Barfoot has written this brief appreciation.
Frank Hemsworth passed away on November 11th 2021 shortly after having been diagnosed with an incurable blood cancer. As someone who valued his time in the RAF and continued to work with service charities this seemed appropriate.
In his role as Unipart International Sales and then Managing Director he was known to many in the Motor Industry, spearheading the growth of the Unipart brand and developing strong and enduring relationships with customers from the very top of groups to those on Parts counters and in the workshops. He was particularly appreciated by those he worked with for his close personal interest in them and he was known for encouraging a dynamic culture of innovation and creativity.
He continuously challenged his organisation in pursuit of the ‘big idea’ resulting in impactful advertising such as “the Answer is Yes”, pull through distribution with the Unipart Car Care Strategy and the widespread and early exploitation of Business TV.
A great businessman but now remembered as a true gentleman – a unique character respected and liked by customers and employees alike.