SPAR retailer and wholesaler A.F. Blakemore has announced that Carol Welch will become its new Chief Executive in April. She will succeed Jerry Marwood, who is leaving the business to focus on his non-executive directorships and consultancy roles.
Welch will join from ODEON Cinemas Group, where she is currently Managing Director UK & Ireland and Commercial Officer Europe. She also has significant experience in branded food and drink, retail, and foodservice, having held positions at Costa Coffee, Associated British Foods, Cadbury-Schweppes, and PepsiCo during her career.
Welch commented: “I am thrilled to be joining A.F. Blakemore as CEO. It is a fantastic business with a deep understanding of retail, wholesale and foodservice and an enviable values-led culture, fuelled by more than 7,000 colleagues and partners who are passionate about delivering great food and drink solutions. I’m excited to be working with the shareholders and team to deliver their business ambition.”
Peter Blakemore, the group’s Chairman, added: “We’re delighted that Carol is joining, she brings a wealth of experience from multiple sectors, a strong strategic vision combined with an approach aligned to the Blakemore Way and values.
“Carol joining sees the culmination of our CEO succession plan following Jerry’s decision to leave the business at the end of this financial year. Jerry has done an outstanding job for Blakemore’s over the last 11 years, handing over strong sales performance and a strategic plan that will help us to deliver the innovation and ambition that are hallmarks of our business.”
A.F. Blakemore’s recently published results for year ending May 2022 showed its sales had grown 19% to £1.19bn after recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Latest data from its company-owned retail estate point to good Christmas trading performance with like-for-like sales up 7.7% over the four weeks to 8 January 2023.
