John Heagney of Nisa

John Heagney of Nisa has stepped down after 36 years

Nisa’s group symbol director John Heagney has left Nisa following 36 years with the company.

Heagney joined Nisa as a retail member in 1977 with three stores. He expanded this business to a chain of 12 stores, before selling up in 1999. During this time, he was also a non-executive director for Nisa.

In 2000, Heagney joined Nisa full-time as commercial director. Three years later he was made group symbol director.

As group symbol director he has grown Nisa’s symbol fascia to more than 1,000 stores. It was also awarded Symbol Retailer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards 2012.

“John’s contribution to Nisa’s historic development has been significant and his commitment and credibility in the sector is well recognised,” said Nisa CEO Neil Turton.

“He leaves us with thanks for his many years of hard work, an appreciation of his many successes achieved in the name of the Nisa brand, and our very best wishes for the future.”

Nisa said Heagney was planning to take a “well-earned rest, enjoying the 2014 skiing season and spending more time cycling the North Yorkshire Moors with his wife Amanda”.

Nisa has been developing a new structure throughout 2013. Earlier this month it appointed Vodafone’s head of retail Steve Leach as business unit director for specialist members. It also appointed Amanda Jones as chief operating officer in April. Former Costcutter marketing duo Ian Bishop and Jenny Holmes have also joined the group this year.