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Conviviality poaches Argos COO
British drinks supplier and off-trade retailer Conviviality has appointed the COO of Argos as its new managing director of its retail business.
David Robinson will head up Conviviality Retail’s franchise business
David Robinson, who joins from Home Retail Group, will head up the team focusing on developing the company’s franchise stores business.
During his time at Home Retail Group, he was a member of the Executive Board and one of the brains behind its five-year Tranformation Plan to reinvent itself as a digital retailer with more universal appeal, and return to growth. Previously, he was commercial director of Argos, and before that Homebase, and also held senior roles at Dixons Stores Group plc
He will work alongside a new commercial finance director, Mark Simmons, who joins the company from Mitchells and Butler.
CEO Diana Hunter said Robinson had a “significant” track record of delivering results and a wealth of experience in the retail industry. “David is ideally placed to continue to develop and grow the Retail business with our Franchise partners.
“We believe we now have a strong team in place to drive the Conviviality Retail business forward.”
Simmonds spent 19 years at pub operator Mitchells and Butler, most latterly as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis
In December, the company appointed Mark Aylwin as the new managing director of its recently purchased Matthew Clark business with commercial director Ian Smith stepping up to become deputy managing director.
The company reported profits up 38% in November after a “transformational” first half in which it had acquired Matthew Clark and London-based events company, Peppermint. It also has around 575m convenience and franchised stores, including Bargain Booze, Select Convenience, Thoroughgoods and Wine Rack.
Conviviality is planning to open around 50 stores every years across the Bargain Booze Select Convenience fascia and Wine Rack stores in key target areas in the South, North East and Yorkshire. “There is plenty of room for growth out there, especially for destination off-licenses,” Hunter told db in November.