Unitas Wholesale has announced that its Managing Director, Darren Goldney, will step down in April after three-and-a-half years in the role.
He will be succeeded by the buying group’s current Sales and Marketing Director, John Kinney. Unitas highlighted that Kinney had “unrivalled knowledge” of the company having been with the organisation since 2011 and was best placed to drive the business into the next phase of its development.
Goldney was appointed as MD of the Today’s Group in November 2017 and oversaw its merger with Landmark in 2019 to create an operation with buying power of more than £8bn.
He had previously worked for Coca-Cola Enterprises for more than 20 years, followed by short stints as Commercial Director at Whitworths and Palmer & Harvey. Reports suggested he is taking some time off before committing to a new role.
Commenting on his time with the Unitas, Goldney said: “It is difficult to express how proud I am of our achievements over the last three years, not just in what we’ve managed to bring together for members but also in the way we have collaborated to achieve positive change across our business.
“Together, Unitas members are becoming a more effective and focused route to market that recognises suppliers are also customers – and that all customers need a champion of independents and brands. We’ve step-changed our use of technology, driven down operating costs, our members’ sales have grown collectively, and we have expanded the services we offer to both members and suppliers in reaching the near 200,000 customers we serve.”
He added: “I am delighted that John will be leading the organisation as it evolves, becomes even more focused on its core purposes of delivering value for its stakeholders, and further grows its reputation as the UK wholesale industry leader in these extraordinary times of uncertainty and unprecedented challenge.
“John has the insight, capability, drive and depth of character to lead Unitas Wholesale in the next phase of its journey.”
Goldney and Kinney will work together on the transition until Goldney’s departure in April.
Kinney said. “I am extremely pleased to be given the opportunity by the Unitas board to lead the organisation forward. This is a great business with a fantastic opportunity to grow and improve further.
“While there are challenges for our members servicing the out of home sector due to the impact of Covid, I am confident in the future for the group and I am looking forward to working with all our members and suppliers to maximise the opportunities for all.”
