The Wilson family, who own Nelsons, have a long-standing and passionate commitment to complementary medicine. Mr Dick Wilson, who ran Nelsons from 1972 until 2005, passed his values and enthusiasm to his two sons. Robert, who joined the family company in 1987 in a marketing role and, subsequently, became Managing Director, has been the Chairman since 2005. Patrick, who has developed Nelsons' global reach, continues as Deputy Chairman.