With an impressive track record, Mr Christiaanse brings a wealth of experience in international fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) following roles with Unilever, Country Range Group, Sara Lee and Brakes Group.

In post from Wednesday 1 December, Ton Christiaanse joins the family-run business, which employs more than 100 people from a base in West Carron, Falkirk, amid ongoing expansion and targeted European growth.

Candle Shack, established by husband-and-wife team Duncan and Cheryl MacLean in 2010, already serves an engaged international customer base of more than 34,000.

The business enjoys long-standing and close relationships with its customers, providing supplies and technical support to thousands of independent and small businesses who are the heartbeat of the company.

Developing its specialist manufacturing capability, Candle Shack has matured operationally in recent years catering to UK artisans and businesses but has also established a European subsidiary.

The eCommerce business launched a website specifically for EU customers last week, supported by a distribution centre and dedicated team based in the Netherlands.

Ton Christiaanse said: “Candle Shack is a fantastic young company with a lot of growth potential. I look forward to working with the team to further develop the business and expand our offerings within an even larger international customer base.”

Duncan MacLean, added: “Cheryl and I welcome Ton at this exciting time, as we expand internationally and introduce innovative new services that will be invaluable to the businesses we support. The next few years promise to be as exciting as the last and I am confident that Ton’s vast international and leadership experience will help Candle Shack on its scale-up journey.”

Candle Shack’s ongoing enhancements in product development and operational efficiency alongside EU market expansion is supported by the recent £4.4m investment deal with Maven Capital Partners.

Alan Robertson, investment director at Maven, commented: “With Ton as chairman, the team will greatly benefit from his vast experience in working with FMCG businesses, specifically those in international markets. Candle Shack has experienced a period of high growth and Ton will work with the expanded executive team to ensure the company continues to deliver a leading service to its customer base, including the launch of new services and support for new customers from its recently-opened site in Holland.”