SPAR UK has announced the appointment of Louise Hoste as its new Managing Director to replace Debbie Robinson, who left the business late last year to become the Chief Executive of the Central England Co-op.
Hoste has a wealth of international retail experience having worked for Asda in the UK, and its parent company Walmart in Canada and Chile in commercial, customer and general management roles.
After leaving a Commercial Director position at Asda in 2013, Hoste became Director of Category and Pricing at Brakes Foodservice. She then joined the Co-op at the beginning of 2016 as Director of the Customer Offer, supporting the relaunch of the retailer’s brand across its food ranges.
Most recently, Hoste has been Executive Commercial Director at Card Factory.
Martin Agnew, SPAR UK’s Chairman said: “She brings senior level expertise working with suppliers across the industry and also has a passion for consumer led initiatives.
“Louise joins SPAR at a time when the business continues to drive innovation across the convenience retailing sector. We look forward to welcoming Louise to our business.”
Commenting on her new appointment, Hoste said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with the leading convenience symbol group championing independent retailers and the local communities within which they serve.
“My focus will be to continue to drive the SPAR brand forward increasing its relevance with customers and developing the offer to drive sales and profit.”
She will take up the position by October.
NAM Implications:
- The combination of big scale global retail experience…
- …along with the pricing dynamics of foodservice…
- Could contribute significantly to SPAR.
- Time for NAMs in affected categories to reassess the SPAR buying process…
- …and propose accordingly, now.
