Parfetts has appointed Unitas trading boss Cheryl Hope as its new trading director to support the symbol group’s growth plans.

Hope spent the past three years leading the trading team at Unitas and previously held senior positions at AF Blakemore & Son, Bako Northwestern, Iceland and Co-op.

In her new position, she will report to joint managing directors Noel Robinson and Guy Swindell.

Hope said: “Parfetts has a fantastic reputation with retailers, suppliers and the wider industry. It is great to join the team and support the national expansion plans through strong, collaborative supplier relationships.

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“The employee-ownership model of the company sets it apart from the rest of the industry, and you can feel the difference when you meet people from across the business. It’s exciting times ahead.”

Swindell added: “Cheryl is a hugely experienced professional with a fantastic understanding of the sector. She’s ideally placed to support our ambitious growth plans and take our focus on supporting retailer margins to the next level.”

The news follows the recent announcement of Parfetts ninth depot in Southampton, where the wholesaler will create 100 jobs as it prepares to open the new 113,000 sq ft site later this summer.

Parfetts said the expansion strengthens its national footprint and will service retailers across the South Coast and Greater London, supporting its rapidly expanding network of convenience stores, including Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local, and Shop & Go.