Henry Amar (right), chairman of specialist food manufacturer RH Amar has been working with chief executive David Mellor for 20 years. Henry on David It is exactly 20 years since David joined our business and his arrival was quite humorous. It was late summer and our sales director had just retired so we advertised for a replacement in The Grocer. Over a 48-hour period we received many responses, but we offered only two candidates an interview. We then received a letter from David, written from Heathrow airport, asking if we could keep the job open until he returned from his holiday. It was a risk to wait so we saw the other two candidates, but offered David an interview. Our first impressions were of a punchy character, who wasn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and get on with the job. He still retains his boundless enthusiasm and blunt attitude, coupled with an excellent knowledge of the fine foods category. David has been instrumental in RH Amar's 20-fold growth over 20 years, and I highly value his problem-solving skills and ability to spot trends. Our forthcoming French product range is an example of this. David on Henry My initial impression of Henry was of a true gentleman of clear integrity. A mutual trust was implanted from day one and any qualms about joining a small company were dispelled very quickly. However, I had a very memorable start to the job. We succeeded in acquiring Cardini, the original Caesar salad dressing brand, and I was so happy that as I walked into Henry's office to tell him the good news I tossed a bottle of Cardini in the air. Unfortunately, the lid wasn't on properly and Henry's brand new carpet was promptly covered in salad dressing. Henry and I have different characters. He is very diligent and always thinking, whereas I am more intuitive and creative, but we share a passion for our products and continue to look for up-and-coming trends. We believe that while the Italian food category is overheated, French produce has never been marketed to its full potential in the UK. Our new French range of goods will rectify that. I see Henry as a golfing mentor too. He was with me when I made the longest shot in golf. We watched the ball sail over the bank, trees and straight into the window of a goods train.

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