Spar has appointed FMCG expert Nick Bunker to its Spar Food Distributors (SFD) board as non-executive chair.
Bringing with him a wealth of grocery industry, board and stakeholder expertise, Bunker is taking over from Martin Agnew, joint chair of Henderson Group, who has held the role since 2011. Martin will continue to sit on the board.
Bunker spent thirteen years with Kraft Foods and, as president of Kraft Foods and Cadbury (now Mondelez), led the integration in the UK. He was also at KP Snacks for five years and managing director of snack company Pladis from 2017-2019.
“The Spar brand is what connects us to our shoppers. It is how we distinguish ourselves as the leading symbol group in the UK,” said Agnew, describing Bunker’s appointment as a “great addition” to Spar’s “ambitious growth plans”.
Read more: Spar leads symbol group market with 2.3% increase in sales
“As convenience retail continues to change, our long-term strategy means we need to keep challenging ourselves… Nick has an outstanding track record of leadership and he will add strategic insight and a fresh perspective to the Spar business.”
Bunker added: “I am delighted to be joining the SFD board and look forward to supporting the ambitious and collaborative growth plans of the business.
“The convenience market is evolving and the Spar brand has significant potential to develop further through its focus on compelling neighbourhood stores which deliver value, service and a great product range for customers.”
Spar continues to deliver strong growth, remaining well ahead of the symbol sector. Investment into the brand, stores, ranges, technology and infrastructure over the last 12 months has supported the sales and profitability of the independent convenience businesses.
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