Ellisons announces two senior promotions

Leading spa and salon equipment supplier Ellisons has announced two C-suite promotions.

Matthew Champney, formerly commercial director, has been promoted to chief executive officer (CEO). Lee Farmer takes on a newly created chief operating officer position.

The UK’s oldest established hair and beauty wholesaler, Ellisons transitioned ownership to the existing management team in September 2024.

Champney and Farmer have been with Ellisons for a combined total of nearly 50 years and were part of the team that completed the management buy-out.

Founded in Birmingham in 1930 and now based in Coventry, Ellisons annually ships more than 2.5 million items to more than 50,000 salons and spas across the UK and internationally.

“Taking place one year on from the management buy out, these promotions reflect the leadership roles both Matt and Lee have taken up in the organisation,” said Paul Faulkner, chair of Ellisons.

“Ellisons has ambitious plans for future growth and development within the professional beauty sector. This is an important step in enabling the business to achieve these goals.”

Future direction

In March 2025, Ellisons launched its new Japanese head spa experience in partnership with Hair and Nature, based in Netherlands. The eqipment is now being used in Champneys and Bannatyne spas.

The treatment protocol can be tailored to suit any spa menu but typically includes a personalised scalp assessment using the in-built scanner. This is followed by a deep cleanse, a soothing head, neck and shoulder massage and relaxation under the rainbow shower head, followed by a hydrating mask and steam session.

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