Willink joined the Cumbrian paper and advanced materials manufacturer in 1990 as a management trainee.

He subsequently became operations director of its Speciality Papers wing and played a key role in the development of its Colourform range of moulded fibre products and Cupcycling paper cup recycling facility.

He has been a member of the group’s board since 1998 and has held the role of chief innovation officer since April 2023.

James Cropper said that as part of an orderly handover and succession process Willink would step down from the board on 29 March but will remain with the business for a further 12 months, working as a strategic adviser and part of the executive committee to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Non-executive chair Mark Cropper thanked Willink for his “extraordinary contribution” to the company.

“Over 34 years, Patrick has been a formidable force both within James Cropper and across broader industry,” Cropper said.

“His exceptional leadership and approach to innovation has helped to position James Cropper as an advanced materials business with capabilities aligned to secular global trends and exciting growth prospects.”

Willink has also been a director and president of the Confederation of Paper Industries, and a director at European paper body CEPI.

He commented: “It has been a real privilege to have played a part in the development of the company from being a speciality papermill into a globally recognised paper, packaging and advanced materials business, serving some of the world's biggest brands and operating at the leading edge in our chosen sectors.

“I believe we have built a strong foundation of innovation and inventiveness that will allow James Cropper to develop significantly over the coming years.”

Willink will leave the business in April 2026.

James Cropper's new CEO David Stirling joins the business this month.