Leadership Team

John Kirk

Chairman

John co-founded J-Flex in 1984 with Jill Kirk.

Retford born-and-bred, John spent 15 years working in the town’s iconic Northern Rubber Works, starting out as a rubber technologist before progressing and eventually occupying the role of Marketing Director.

Since starting J-Flex, John has played an active role in developing new products and markets and has been the driving force behind our export success, regularly visiting customers throughout Europe and further afield.

In his role as Chairman, John now oversees the research and development side of the business.

Sam Kirk

Managing Director

Sam joined the business in 2015, heading up the Marketing Department and was then appointed Managing Director in May 2018. Sam graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2008, and spent ten years working in the media industry before joining the family business.

In 2018 Sam developed and implemented an ambitious new Vision and Company Plan that has provided clear focus and direction and has seen the business earn recognition at the Midlands Family Business Awards and the North Notts Business Awards, where J-Flex were crowned Company of the Year 2019.

Lance Bradley

Commercial Director

Lance joined J-Flex in 1998 as an External Sales Executive, developing relationships with a wide and loyal client base – many of whom are still customers today! 

Following a number of years “on the road”,  Lance returned to the office and was appointed Commercial Manager.

Now our Commercial Director, Lance is responsible for working with key clients on special projects, leading and driving our internal external sales functions and helping shape our future growth.

Les Shaw

Operations Director

Prior to joining J-Flex in 2004, Les held a number of senior management and board positions with multi-national logistic and distribution companies.

In his role as Operations Director, Les oversees our Warehouse, Production and Quality functions. He regularly visits key suppliers in the UK, mainland Europe and Asia.

A sports enthusiast away from the office, Les enjoys cricket and rugby union, although now only as a spectator since his playing and coaching days are over.