Wilko has announced the appointment of Chris Martin as Non-Executive Director.
Martin is currently the CEO of Musgrave, which operates 11 market leading brands, including Centra and SuperValu, across the island of Ireland and Spain.
In May this year, Martin who became CEO in 2005, said he will be retiring from the group and 'moving on' to his 'next chapter.'
He will be joining Wilko, which operates 418 stores across the UK and online in January 2020.
Key product ranges include homewares and furnishings, garden and outdoor lifestyle products, DIY and decorating and health & beauty.
“We’re proud we’re a family owned group and the refreshingly different way this enables us to do business," said Lisa Wilkinson, family director and chair of WHSL.
"Chris’ significant commercial expertise and first-hand experience at the helm of a highly successful sixth generation family business will help us to stay true to our roots while we continue on our transformational journey to become a product-led business.”
Experience to Date
Martin joined the Musgrave Main Board in 2003.
Under his direction, the business has focused strongly on partnering with entrepreneurial retailers and innovative food suppliers to develop the retail, wholesale, and foodservice business.
During his tenure, he achieved a number of significant milestones including guiding Musgrave through the recession to today where SuperValu, Centra and MarketPlace have achieved record turnover; the acquisition of key brands like Superquinn, La Rousse Foods and Donnybrook Fair and the establishment of new brands such as Frank and Honest.
Prior to joining Musgrave, Martin had developed a strong and lengthy career in retail and leisure including CEO of Mothercare plc, Group Finance Director of Storehouse plc and various roles in ASDA and Pizza Hut.
Speaking about his new appointment, Martin said: Wilko is a much-loved brand with strong family values and I’m looking forward to working with Lisa and the team to help ensure the business is well positioned to accomplish its mission to free up hard-working families to be the best they can be.”
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