>>Q& A WITH RON HICKEY, HEAD OF PROPOSITION DEVELOPMENT, BOOKER

Describe your career background
I started my sales and marketing career at Grand Metropolitan Brewing, before moving to Scottish Courage Brands for eight years. I joined Coca-Cola Enterprises in 1998 as sales manager for wholesale and grocery. As a team we increased sales by implementing initiatives which resulted in £2m revenue uplift. I was fortunate enough to be asked to be operational marketing controller for the London region before taking on a new challenge as category management project manager in October 2001. During this time I led the development and implementation of a new category management process and a deeper understanding of shopping mechanics. I joined Booker in September 2002.

Name one of the hardest things you have ever had to do in your career
Leaving my family and friends in Ireland in 1989 to move to the UK. At the time it was a difficult decision, but I have never looked back.

Can you give examples of projects you have helped to complete at Booker during the last two years?
As head of proposition development, I am involved in growing retail and catering
sales through all aspects of marketing. I have been part of the team responsible for creating and developing the Spend & Save scheme. The initiative delivered the first clear, transparent and fair discount structure in the market, giving customers tangible discounts. They tell us this is a major reason why they choose to shop at Booker.
I managed the development of brand plans to understand what our customers demand from their own label and how best to serve these needs.

What are you working on this year?
Continued development of the Booker brand for the benefit and success of our customers. Helping our customers increase their potential by developing and implementing promotional programmes and pricing strategies.
helping customers tap potential of the booker brand

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