Simply Fresh has appointed Steve Drake, a former Co-op Food Operations Director, as its new Commercial Director.
In recent months, he has been helping the convenience symbol group develop its wholesale trial with Sainsbury’s as a consultant.
He worked at the Co-op until 2013 and was responsible for 600 food stores in south west England and Wales. As well as consultancy roles, he has since worked for BP’s global convenience retail leadership team with a specific focus on food-to-go / fresh food retail partnerships across European markets. He also spent time at Shell as Head of Global Convenience Retail Formats.
Tim Chalk, Chief Executive of Simply Fresh, said: “Steve has been working alongside Simply Fresh and Simply Local as a consultant for several months now; I am delighted he has accepted our invitation to come on board as our Commercial Director.
“Steve has been pivotal in trialling and developing our new business model with Sainsbury’s and as we bring our offer to market he is best placed to deliver this most compelling strategic partnership to our retailers. Steve brings a diverse retail background and infectious professionalism to Simply Fresh and Simply Local and I know the team is energised by his appointment.”
Drake added: “Having been deeply involved in building the new Simply Fresh with Sainsbury’s proposition over the past months, I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to continue my work as Commercial Director.
“I am absolutely convinced that Simply Fresh and Sainsbury’s are developing a sector-leading proposition together for progressive and ambitious independent retailers that will elevate the sheer quality and variety of fresh products available to their customers, improve operational efficiencies in their businesses and accelerate profitable sales growth.”
