Outgoing Spar MD Jerry Marwood has been appointed as a non-executive director of field marketing agency exPD8.

He will advise the agency on promotional compliance in c-stores as the agency looks to bolster its presence in grocery. Marwood was approached about the role by co-founders Mark Thurgood and Pete Bailey, with whom he worked with at Somerfield.

"I have been impressed by how it has built a business from scratch in a very tough market," Marwood said. "I see the opportunity to develop more business in core grocery and believe I can bring some insight to that objective."

He was appointed this week but said he would remain "fully engaged" at his role with Spar before handing over to Debbie Robinson in September.

"This is a very 'light touch' appointment and while I want to get involved and pull my weight, I am very clear that this is a non-exec role," he said.

Marwood said he was talking to a range of people about his next move. "I wanted to take some time out to look closely at as wide range of projects as I could. I'm not going to rush into anything."

Last month Spar revealed it had lined up Debbie Robinson to replace Marwood, who exits after nine years as MD and 15 at the company.

Her appointment was confirmed after just six months as marketing director at beleaguered sports retailer JJB. She is best known for her time at The Co-op Group where she was closely involved in the development of its responsible retailing agenda.