Harrison succeeds Steve Franks, who sadly passed away in April 2020 due to complications related to contracting COVID-19.
Water Babies, the baby swimming school with locations across the U.K., Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, and China, has announced the appointment of business development veteran Howard Harrison as its new chief executive officer.
Harrison succeeds previous CEO Steve Franks, who sadly passed away in April 2020 due to complications related to contracting COVID-19.
“It’s with a warm heart that I welcome Howard into the Water Babies family. While it has been a difficult time coping with the loss of Steve, we knew it was important that we find the right person to continue the remarkable Water Babies story. I believe we have found that person in Howard,” said Paul Thompson, founder of Water Babies.
“Not only is he a versatile and accomplished business strategist with a proven track record in developing and growing a brand, he also fully embodies the Water Babies spirit of passion, adventure, entrepreneurialism, and a determination to make a difference in the world. We are very much looking forward to working with him and taking Water Babies to its next phase.”
Harrison joins Water Babies from Knomo, the premium bags and accessories brand that he founded in 2004. In the 15 years since, he has grown the organization into a multichannel business handling design, development, sourcing, and marketing with products sold in over 50 markets.
“When I moved on from Knomo, which had been my passion for 15 years, I knew my next challenge would have to be something special,” said Howard Harrison. “I am absolutely delighted to begin working with Water Babies, a truly unique purpose-driven brand with a brilliant team of people united behind a vision where the physical and emotional development of every child is fully supported and nurtured from birth. I hope I can continue the progress made under Steve’s leadership, and I look forward to working with Paul and the rest of the business.”
