Ocado names Sir Stuart Rose as chairman designate

ONLINE supermarket and delivery group Ocado, which has large distribution base in Warwickshire, has appointed former Marks & Spencer chief executive Sir Stuart Rose as its new chairman designate.

The appointment takes effect from March 11 and Sir Stuart will become Chairman following the company’s Annual General Meeting on May 10, 2013 in succession to Lord Grade, who is retiring from his position.

Sir Stuart has significant retail experience, having also been chairman at M&S from 2004 until 2011. Prior to this he was CEO of Arcadia Group from 2000 until 2002 and CEO of Booker Group from 1998 until 2000. He is also a non-executive director of Woolworths Holdings Ltd, a South African-based listed retail group, as well as a non-executive director of Land Securities Group. He is also chairman of the UK retail companies, Blue Inc and Dressipi.

Tim Steiner, Chief Executive Officer, Ocado, said: “Sir Stuart is joining Ocado as we enter a hugely exciting period, with a near doubling of our capacity. We are looking forward to benefiting from his extensive retail experience and counsel.”

Sir Stuart added: “I have been very impressed at the impact and progress Ocado has made to date.  As retail goes through a fundamental shift into the digital world, I believe Ocado’s model and the high standards of customer service it provides will see it emerge as a powerful online player. I am looking forward to being part of the team.”

Separately, the company has announced that non-executive director Wendy Becker is to stand down from the board with immediate effect.

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