Tributes flood in for former Unitas finance director John Schofield

Unitas Wholesale has announced that John Schofield, former finance director (FD) and acting managing director of the Today’s Group, has died.

Schofield (pictured) was integral in the merger of Today’s and Landmark to form Unitas, and before that he was the finance director at Nisa-Today’s. He retired following the formation of Unitas.

Schofield developed a brain tumour and passed away following an illness. Tributes have flooded in following his death.

Unitas MD John Kinney said: “I have tremendous respect for John; he was not only an excellent finance director but also a genuinely true gentleman and friend. I have very fond memories of my time working with John. He was instrumental in the formation of both the Today’s Group and also Unitas. John will be sadly missed and my deepest condolences go to Dawn and family.”

Neil Turton, who worked alongside Schofield at Nisa and was the former managing director of Sugro, said: “John was my closest colleague at Nisa as FD. He led Nisa’s finance team through the ‘growth years’ and the opening of the new Scunthorpe warehouse and offices. A constant source of advice, feedback, wisdom and football banter. As the comments reflect, he was admired, trusted and much loved. I’ve never heard a bad word about John. A gentleman. RIP John.”

Colin Graves, founder of Costcutter, said: “John was a great person — he was very professional in all the positions he held in his career and I had tremendous respect for him. John, you will be sadly missed by everyone but you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.”

Mark Windebank, former managing director of Savage & Whitten, said: “Very sad to hear this news. John was indeed a great FD and I was lucky enough to have worked with him for many successful years in Nisa Today’s and then the Today’s Group. He supported all his colleagues and was great company on the many memorable events and nights out we had around the globe. My condolences to all his family and friends.”