McColl’s has announced the appointment of Karen Bird to the board of directors as chief operating officer with immediate effect.

Bird joined the symbol group in 2016 as colleague director and was promoted to colleague and operations director in January 2020.

Before joining the company, she spent over 20 years with Big 4 grocer Tesco in both HR and operational positions.

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At Tesco she held positions which included regional people manager, operations manager, stores director, amongst others.

“We are very pleased to welcome Karen to the board,” McColl’s chief executive officer Jonathan Miller said.

“Her appointment recognises the valuable contribution she has made, and continues to make, to the business. Her extensive experience in convenience and food retail, and her detailed understanding of the company, will bring much knowledge and value to the board.”

The news comes as McColl’s announced plans to open 294 new Morrisons Daily stores by November 2022.

As a result the convenience store group raised £35 million from investors for the development.

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