Appointments: Ex-Tesco man joins Co-op; PPS & more
FORMER Tesco executive Robert Bignold will join The Co-operative Estates next week in the new role of head of acquisitions and new store development.
Mr Bignold spent 16 years with Tesco, including most recently two years as property director for China. Before that he was a divisional director for seven years, where he was responsible for the development of new stores and store extensions, opening up to 120,000 sq m per annum.
He said: “I was drawn to The Co-operative because of the opportunities that lie ahead, not least ensuring that the acquisitions and store development strategies match the ambition of the business to become the country’s leading convenience store retailer. I am looking forward to working with the team to achieve that ambition.”
Stuart Hookins, director of portfolio and development at The Co-operative Estates, added: “We are delighted that Robert is joining the team. His proven expertise across many different facets of retail store development and acquisitions is a perfect fit for The Co-operative Food’s programme, which sees the business at its most acquisitive. Our new store development programme is really starting to build some momentum now and Robert’s arrival will provide the leadership, experience and focus that a programme targeting 150 new stores a year requires.”
The Co-operative has announced plans to open 100 new convenience stores in 2014 building to 150 in subsequent years, between 2,000 sq ft and 4,000 sq ft net sales area, particularly in high street and local community locations.
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COMMUNICATIONS consultancy PPS Group has strengthened its Manchester-based northern team with the appointment of Simon Leonard as associate director.
He joins from Yorkshire based PR Agency, Acceleris and brings more than 15 years’ experience of property PR and planning to PPS, which now has 10 staff and is led by recently-promoted director Rebecca Eatwell.
Mr Leonard said: “I’m looking forward to playing a key role in helping to grow the business. The property market is buoyant and we’re well placed to help clients find innovative ways to raise their profile to achieve their commercial objectives in a competitive market.”
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INSOLVENCY solicitor has Lucie Cocker has joined the business law team at North West law firm Forbes.
Partner Pauline Rigby said: “Lucie is an extremely experienced litigator and highly thought-of in the world of advocacy. Her addition to the department will strengthen our relationship with our clients and enable us to provide a full service in all areas of insolvency.
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LIVERPOOL-based outsourced HR firm High Performance Consultancu has boosted its team with the appointment of apprentice Alex Neary and Lauren Campbell, a HR management student.
HPCprovides outsourced HR support for businesses and advises them on investment, growth and employee training.
Alex Neary, from West Derby, is 19 and has a level three diploma in legal secretarial work from City of Liverpool College, while Lauren Campbell, 21, from Armagh in Northern Ireland, is on a one-year placement from Liverpool John Moores University.
