Booths has created a new executive team to lead it into its next chapter, as the independent grocer has set out a “new broader business strategy”.
Edwin Booth will continue to lead as chairman, heading up the company board. However, a new executive team will be formed and led by Nigel Murray, who will take up the role of CEO, transitioning from his current position as managing director.
Reporting to Murray will be an executive team formed of four roles. Emma Booth, who was the first female family member to join the business two years ago, has been promoted to chief brand officer. She will take responsibility for all brand, marketing and customer-related functions, including the development of the direct to consumer business.
Rebecca Hardman, who joined Booths’ learning and development team 13 years ago, has been promoted to chief operating officer. During her time with the retailer, Hardman has been involved in the development of people and culture, and for the past three years, also within store operations.
As part of her new role as COO, she will add manufacturing and logistics, and retail development to her remit.
Nicola Karran, who joined the Booths finance team nine years ago, will now take responsibility for all aspects of trading, product development and supply as chief commercial officer.
For the past four years, she has led the business development and hospitality team, where she made “significant positive impacts” in the café and food-to-go categories, the grocer said. In her new position, Karran will retain responsibility for the development of the B2B/wholesale channel.
Damien McDonald, who also joined Booths nine years ago to take responsibility for the company’s accounting functions, took on the role of finance director in 2023. He has now been promoted to chief financial officer and company secretary, adding risk and governance responsibilities to his role. He has also been appointed to the Booths board as a company director.
It comes as Booths looks to deliver a “new broader business strategy”. According to Murray, the grocer has “untapped potential within our brand-reach and also our manufacturing base”.
”There are significant opportunities in new markets and with new customers for what we make and develop, be that through other businesses or direct to consumers,” he said.
Speaking of the new leadership team, Murray added: “Knowing them so well, I have huge confidence in this executive team and our unrelenting drive and focus to get things just right for customers, colleagues and communities.
“They are all people I enjoy working with, who have a clear and shared view of our opportunities and ambitions. There is a bright future for the business, in Booths country and beyond, and this team will enable us to deliver positive change with pace and impact.”
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