New CEO announced for cards and gifts retailer
Wakefield-headquartered retailer, Card Factory, has appointed Darcy Willson-Rymer as its chief executive officer.
He will join from Costcutter Supermarkets, where he has served as CEO for the last eight years.
During his time at the retail group, he steered the business through a period of significant change, including development of a new operating model, introduction of a data and insights led business growth programme that realised a 20% sales uplift, and he led a brand transformation.
Prior to this, Willson-Rymer was CEO of Clinton Cards from 2011 to 2012.
Before joining Clinton Cards, he held a range of roles in international branded businesses, including managing director (UK & Ireland) of Starbucks Coffee Company; and senior roles at Yum Restaurants International, including operations director of KFC Great Britain; and director of operations and franchise, Europe, KFC and Pizza Hut.
He will join the company on 8 March 2021, following expiry of his notice period.
Paul Moody’s appointment as executive chairman will end when Willson-Rymer joins the business, at which time Moody will revert to his role as non-executive chairman.
Moody said: “I am delighted to announce that Darcy is joining Card Factory as our CEO.
“Darcy has excellent credentials and experience to lead Card Factory through the next phase of our evolution and to continue to lead the implementation of the refreshed strategy.
“He has experienced successfully leading a complex, multi-site retail business in Costcutter, held senior positions in two customer service-centred global branded businesses in Starbucks and Yum, in particular, where he led a business with an operating model encompassing both owned and franchised units.
“Darcy brings highly relevant knowledge and experience that will hugely benefit Card Factory.”
Willson-Rymer said: “As a long-standing admirer of Card Factory, I am thrilled to be able to lead the business through the next phase of its growth journey.
“Working with the team at Card Factory, my ambition is to unlock the true potential of the business by delivering its transformation strategy in the UK and internationally.”
