UK: Willson-Rymer named CEO of c-store chain Costcutter

COSTCUTTER SUPERMARKETS GROUP APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Former Starbucks Chief Darcy Willson-Rymer Joins Leading Convenience Retailer

Darcy Willson-Rymer, the former Managing Director of Starbucks UK and Ireland, has joined Costcutter Supermarkets Group as its new Chief Executive.

Mr Willson-Rymer, who was Managing Director for Starbucks UK and Ireland for three years during which time it recorded a strong performance, replaces Nick Ivel.

Having spent 19 years with Yum Brands in various positions including Operations Director for KFC Great Britain, Darcy took the position of Managing Director of Persil Services Ltd which provided a network of dry cleaning and laundry concessions within supermarkets across the UK. After three years with Starbucks UK and Ireland as Managing Director Mr Willson-Rymer took the role of Chief Executive with Clinton Cards.

Sir Michael Bibby, Bt., Managing Director of Bibby Line Group said: "I am delighted to welcome Darcy Willson-Rymer as the new Chief Executive of Costcutter Supermarkets Group. Darcy has an excellent track record within the retail sector and his appointment heralds a new era for Costcutter Supermarkets Group and all of its retailers. I have every confidence that he and the highly skilled board of directors will build upon previous success and drive the business forward."

He added: "Darcy inherits a very strong and very experienced board of directors who are committed to delivering a market-leading convenience retail proposition. Costcutter Supermarkets Group leads the way in offering independent retailers the very best solutions for their business, helping them to grow their customer base, profits and sales, and Darcy's vast experience will add a new dynamic as we continue to grow the business."

Darcy Willson-Rymer, commented: "Costcutter is one of the biggest brands in convenience retailing, supporting independent retailers throughout the UK and giving them the tools they need to grow their businesses. With the new format kwiksave brand performing ahead of target and the roll out of the premium myCostcutter brand gathering pace, it truly is an exciting time to be joining the business. I am very much looking forward to meeting retailers across the UK in order to help them develop their exceptional convenience stores. The continued development and expansion of our company owned store portfolio is also a key objective and I look forward to working with the team to progress this."

Sir Michael Bibby, Bt., commented: "I would like to thank Nick for his hard work and the commitment he has given to Costcutter Supermarkets Group over the last 14 years and for the integral role he has played in getting Costcutter Supermarkets Group to where it is today. Nick's knowledge of the convenience retail industry is huge and he will assist with the identification of potential acquisition targets which are crucial to our goal of growing the business and our portfolio of company owned stores."

Nick Ivel commented: "After 14 years with Costcutter Supermarkets Group I feel that now is the right time for a change of leadership and a change of direction for me. I leave Costcutter Supermarkets Group in a strong position and with a team capable of leading the business to the next stage in its development. I have been involved in the recruitment of Darcy and I believe he is an excellent choice as Chief Executive and the right person to lead Costcutter Supermarkets Group. I will be available to assist Darcy where necessary and to give consultancy support to the business and identify potential acquisition targets. I would like to thank all of our retailers for their loyalty and support over the years and the extremely talented and dedicated team at Costcutter who have all played their part in developing the business into the symbol group of choice."

Costcutter Supermarkets Group recently reported a 4% increase in year-on-year sales for the first half of 2012, with the continued recruitment of new retailers to the group. The business opened the first new kwiksave store in May 2012, with the sixth set to start trading this month and 20 targeted by the end of the year. September will also see the fourth premium myCostcutter store opening, with stores trading in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mr Willson-Rymer officially takes the role of Chief Executive on Monday 10th September 2012 and will attend Costcutter Supermarkets Group's Exhibition and Gala dinner in Birmingham on 17th September 2012.

Original source: Coscutter