Third-generation leader of Walker’s Shortbread passes away
Sir James N. Walker CBE, known as “the company's first salesperson” and, with his brother Joe, the driving force behind Walker’s global expansion, passed away on December 15, 2024. He was 80.
Walker joined the family bakery after completing his education at Robert Gordon's College in Aberdeen. Alongside a workforce of 16 people, he learned every aspect of bakery operations. During his long career with Walker’s Shortbread, he was responsible for sales and marketing and was known as the company's first salesperson. He recently stepped aside from his main responsibilities to an ambassadorial and advisory role, allowing the fourth-generation members, including three of his children, to take on the company's management.
As joint managing director alongside his brother Joe, Jim was the driving force behind Walker's sales growth. He developed the business from a small family bakery in Aberlour into a globally recognized brand, achieving nearly $234 million (£184 million) of turnover in 2023.
Under his leadership, Walker's Shortbread entered the U.S. market in 1976. By 1995, the brand had established its first international office in the U.S., and since then, the U.S. has emerged as one of the brand's most important markets.
Walker is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jennifer, his children Jacqui, Jamie, Bryony and Alastair, and six grandchildren Logan, Romy, Joshua, Torren, Joanie and Wyatt.
