Our Team

Mike Brook - Managing Director

Mike Brook's organic career began in 1982 as a grower of medicinal plants, and since then he has been responsible for setting up three organic herbal companies. Between them, these businesses cover every aspect of the supply chain - from agricultural production through to international commodity trading and the creation of branded products.

He established Hambleden Herbs, the UK's first organic herb company, in 1982, the Organic Herb Trading Company to distribute organic herbal ingredients in 1999 and Organic Partners, an organic grower's project based organisation, in 2004.

These companies have collectively won 26 industry awards for packaging, environmental policy, product quality, organic integrity, business ethics, education and innovation. In 2003, Mike received the "Spirit in Business" award at the annual Natural and Organic Industry Awards ceremony for his contribution to international sustainable development.

Mike has also been involved in the environmental and ethical trade movement in the UK and internationally as a member of various committees, an international speaker and consultant.

Gary Rumbold - General Manager

Gary has worked in the financial sector, sustainable tourism and carbon management, originally bringing his considerable experience to developing the sales and marketing department at Organic Herb Trading. Gary was promoted internally to the role of General Manager and now oversees the day to day running of all aspects of the business  With a passion for environmental issues and living an organic lifestyle, his role at OHTC perfectly suits both his personal and commercial ambitions.

Maria Charlton - Quality Assurance Manager

Maria has worked in both the food retailing and manufacturing sectors, working  with and for the multiple supermarkets, as well as other well known high street names. Her previous experience in food manufacturing, product development and quality assurance and certification schemes such as BRC and ISO mean that she is able to work closely with suppliers and customers to ensure that the products sourced and sold by OHTC are safe, high quality and ethically sound.