Bestway Cash & Carry has poached Richard Booth, senior trading controller for grocery and non-food at buying group Landmark Cash & Carry, to buy groceries and general goods in its group buying department.

Bestway, which has 28 depots and was previously Landmark’s biggest member, split from the group in November.

Booth’s counterpart on the licensed side - senior trading controller John Searle - has assumed responsibility across grocery, non-food and licensed for the time being.

Searle said: “I have taken a holding role on grocery until there is formal confirmation on the structure of the business going forward.”

Landmark md Martin Williams said Booth’s post was under review, with no definite plans for a permanent replacement. Williams said Booth’s departure could lead to other management changes, but this had not been determined.

However, he said a decision would be made swiftly: “We want to get stability into the business structure as soon as possible.”

Reacting to the move, Williams said: “I’m disappointed, but life goes on and this gives us a chance to look at a fresh structure for the group. I wish Richard well.”

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