Searle Landmark

Searle has spent more than 20 years at Landmark

Landmark Wholesale trading director John Searle is quitting the company after 22 years.

He will officially leave the buying group at the end of the year.

Searle’s two-decade stint at Landmark first began in 1990 when he joined as trading controller. He left the company in 1995, before re-joining in April 2002 as senior trading controller, becoming trading director in May 2004.

“We are saddened to say farewell to John Searle and, on behalf of central office, our members, and the board, I would like to thank him wholeheartedly for the continued loyalty, hard work and determination he has given to Landmark, and wish him every success and happiness in the future,” said Landmark MD John Mills.

Landmark said it would not be looking for a replacement in the “short term”.

Searle’s resignation comes one year after former managing director Martin Williams left the company after 33 years.

“Landmark remains the strongest buying group in the industry and we will continue to build on the success of the past 45 years,” added Mills.

“We remain dedicated to providing the best terms, promotions, own brands and category advice for our members. Our focus on our growth strategy is clearly paying off with the latest figures showing that Landmark is currently experiencing 6% growth at a time when many of the competition are reporting losses or standing still.”

As a result of Searle’s departure, senior trading controllers Jim Brown and Jon Burton will both report directly to Mills.