Spar UK has appointed Louise Hoste as its new managing director following the departure of Debbie Robinson at the beginning of the year.
Hoste is currently executive commercial director at Card Factory, a position she has held since January 2018. She is expected to join Spar by October.
Across a grocery career spanning almost 30 years, Hoste has held senior positions within Walmart, Asda, Brakes and Co-op.
As director of the customer offer at Co-op between January 2016 and December 2017, Hoste relaunched the Co-op brand across its food ranges and worked on the ‘Closer To You’ strategy supporting the local and community agenda.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with the leading convenience symbol group championing independent retailers and the local communities within which they serve,” said Hoste. “My focus will be to continue to drive the Spar brand forward, increasing its relevance with customers and developing the offer to drive sales and profit.”
Jackie Mackenzie and Chris Lewis have been sharing the role of managing director since the departure of Robinson to Central England Co-op in January.
“We are excited to have Louise join Spar,” said Spar UK chairman Martin Agnew. “She brings senior level expertise working with suppliers across the industry and also has a passion for consumer-led initiatives. Louise joins Spar at a time when the business continues to drive innovation across the convenience retailing sector and we look forward to welcoming her to our business.”
Hoste has also worked as marketing manager at Thorntons and began her grocery career in 1991 as market manager for doorstep milk at Northern Foods.
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