He was closely involved in restructuring the management and organization of the growing confectionery company at a stage where its growth meant by necessity it had to move away from the personal, family-centered management of its founder, Joseph Rowntree, towards a more professional culture.
With his father, Joseph Rowntree, a number of employee benefits were implemented including wage increases, an eight-hour day and a pension scheme.
At the east (University) end of The Retreat's southern wall is a plaque to Joseph Rowntree, who is buried in the Quaker cemetery within The Retreat's grounds.
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However, after engaging in work in the Edinburgh slums, he changed career again to concentrate on social work and research; first in Edinburgh, then in York with Joseph Rowntree and his son Seebohm.
He was the son of Arnold Rowntree and a nephew of Chocolatier and social-reformer Joseph Rowntree.