AF Blakemore has appointed Mike Boardman as trading director, replacing David White, who retired due to ill health.

Boardman joins from Somerfield, where he was head of ambient trading, following the supermarket group's acquisition by The Co-operative Group.

Boardman will report to Dennis Evans, Blakemore's MD of Spar distribution.

"Mike brings a wealth of retail experience," said Evans. "He has spent the past 15 years working for manufacturing and retail companies in the food industry. Mike intends to bring renewed focus to the trading team and is committed to continuing to offer our customers the very best in terms of range, price and promotions. His skills and experience will be a huge asset in helping to shape and drive forward the division's strategy and in managing the relationship with our suppliers."

Boardman will work closely with marketing director Ged Carter to implement Blakemore's Pounds Down promotional strategy that has led to double-digit sales growth of promoted items.

He will also be in charge of increasing the number of Eurospars Spar's larger store format among Blakemore's Spar retailers.

In June, Tates, which is Blakemore's company-owned stores division, opened the first two Eurospars on the British mainland, in Nottingham and Sheffield. Last month, Blakemore independent retailer Conrad Davies opened two more Eurospars in Wales.

Boardman will encourage other independent retailers to open Eurospars and ensure Blakemore has the right range of products for the larger stores.