Novartis Animal Health sales rep retires

In 1959, at the age of 16, Gwyn Berry began working in the Animal Health industry, doing the rounds of farms in North Wales on his bicycle.

Over time, his territory grew to include most of North Wales, and his mode of transportation evolved from two wheels to four. Now, after a successful sales career spanning more than half a century, he recently announced his plans to retire in early 2011.

Gwyn, 68, who lives near Capel Curig, in Conwy, North Wales, has significant knowledge of the Animal Health business and widespread respect in the farming community in North Wales. Throughout his career, customers consistently rated him as one of the top Novartis Animal Health sales people because of his knowledge of the products, and even more importantly his knowledge of their needs.

James Hutchings, Head of Sales for the Farm Animal Business of Novartis Animal Health, said, "Gwyn truly is a legend in the industry and he has massive respect both from his colleagues, his customers and from within the industry itself. I would like to wish Gwyn and his wife Sandra a long, healthy and happy retirement on behalf from everyone at Novartis"

As well as being a familiar face looking after the health needs of animals across North Wales, Gwyn is also well-known in the world of Welsh mountain ponies, as a long standing member of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society. Breeding ponies goes back several generations in his family, and he runs the Betws Stud which has won countless medals, rosettes and sashes at shows over the years.

Fellow Novartis sales rep Elwyn Owen said, "Gwyn is very well-respected in farming circles, not only as an Animal Health sales rep, but also for his love of Welsh mountain ponies."

Gwyn saw the industry undergo significant change during his career, especially in terms of technology. But certain fundamentals, especially his approach to the business and customers, remained stable. Gwyn said, "When I started with Novartis I was very taken by the fact that they treated you very much as if they were a family firm, even though it’s a big corporation. The secret of success is having pride in the firm, confidence in the products you’re selling, and being honest with yourself and to the customer."

Gwyn will have plenty to occupy himself upon his retirement. Apart from his involvement with the Welsh Pony and Cob Society which he intends to devote more time to, there are his own sheep and ponies to manage as well as carriage driving, judging and showing to think about. "It all takes up plenty of time and will keep me busy."

Mark Collinson, General Manager of Novartis Animal Health UK believes Gwyn’s milestone is truly unique. "This is an unbelievable achievement that is unlikely to be surpassed. Our organisation is extremely proud and honoured that such a hard-working and successful sales professional chose to dedicate more than 50 years of his career working with us."