SPAR UK appoints Lee Johnson as Operations and Strategy Director
SPAR UK has appointed Lee Johnson as new Operations and Strategy Director starting 17 August 2020. Lee Johnson joins SPAR UK from Coty where he was VP for global FP&A and strategic planning, with previous roles held at Lego, Microsoft, SC Johnson, and Sara Lee. Johnson will be responsible for finance, governance, IT, supply chain, and strategic planning.
Louise Hoste, Managing Director at SPAR UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lee to the business. He has a great breadth of experience in finance, operations and strategy and is a strong addition to our team. He will play a significant role in how we operate and plan in the future.
“The work our wholesale and store teams have done to provide essential products and services to communities’ throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the resilience of our symbol group and the vital role we play in the convenience industry.
“We have been focused on providing independent SPAR stores with the best support to run successful businesses. Our wholesale and logistics capabilities, combined with a strong financial position, drive us to invest in the best people for the future.
“As a family business, our independence ensures we can focus on being the best convenience partner for retailers by delivering an exceptional service for stores and their own customers,” she added.
Lee Johnson said: “I am very much looking forward to joining the team at SPAR UK and cannot wait to get started. The group’s growth strategy is very ambitious and I am very excited to be part of that.”
Source: SPAR UK
About SPAR UK
The UK became a member of SPAR in 1956 when a group of independent wholesalers was granted the SPAR licence by SPAR International. There are five regional partners in the UK with strategically placed Distribution Centres in each region. A central office, located in London, provides national marketing and buying services for the group and supports the development of the brand
SPAR has led the convenience market in the UK for many years but has faced increasing competition. Always innovative, the five regional partners have continued to grow the brand. Throughout the UK, a combination of independently-owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores can be found, spanning forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhoods.
