Bargain Booze lures Waitrose exec to CEO role

WAITROSE executive Diana Hunter has been named the new CEO of Cheshire-based off licence and convenience store retailer Bargain Booze.

Ms Hunter, currently director of convenience at the upmarket grocer, will take the reins at Crewe-based Bargain Booze in February.

She joins Bargain Booze after eight years with Waitrose, where she was responsible for developing new store formats and concepts before heading up the company’s convenience store operations.

Prior to joining Waitrose, she had a 13-year career with Sainsbury’s.

Bargain Booze’s  owners, ECI Partners, have appointed her to support the company’s expansion and development as it targets growth and innovation across its 670-franchisee operated high street stores.

Chairman Roger Pedder said: “Diana has an excellent record of developing high quality retail formats and bringing innovation to the high street. Her skills and experience will further enhance the ability of our management team to drive the business to the next level and offer best-in-class store formats to our franchisees.

“We are investing significantly in consumer research, marketing and merchandising to ensure that Bargain Booze and all of our retail formats have strong customer appeal and continue to compete effectively in an evolving retail landscape.”

Acting managing director and former trading director, Keith Webb, will take the position of deputy CEO.