SPAR UK appoints new Managing Director
SPAR UK has announced the appointment of Louise Hoste as the new Managing Director.
Louise comes to the business with a wealth of international retail experience. She has worked for Walmart in the UK, Canada and Chile in commercial, customer and general management roles.
After leaving Walmart, Louise was Director of Category and Pricing at Brakes Foodservice, followed by Director of the Customer Offer at the Co-op. It was in this role that she relaunched the Co-op brand across the food ranges and worked on the ‘Closer To You’ strategy supporting the local and community agenda.
Most recently, Louise has been Executive Commercial Director at Card Factory.
Martin Agnew, SPAR UK Chairman said: “We are excited to have Louise join SPAR. She brings senior level expertise working with suppliers across the industry and also has a passion for consumer-led initiatives.
“Louise joins SPAR at a time when the business continues to drive innovation across the convenience retailing sector. We look forward to welcoming Louise to our business.”
Commenting on her new appointment Louise said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with the leading convenience symbol group championing independent retailers and the local communities within which they serve.
“My focus will be to continue to drive the SPAR brand forward increasing its relevance with customers and developing the offer to drive sales and profit.”
Louise will take up the position by October 2019.
Source: SPAR UK
About SPAR UK
The United Kingdom (UK) became a member of SPAR in 1956 when a group of independent wholesalers obtained the SPAR licence from SPAR International. There are five regional partners 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 SPAR Brand in the UK.
SPAR has led the convenience market in the UK for many years but has faced increasing competition in recent times. Always innovative, SPAR Partners have continued to grow the brand. A combination of independently-owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores spanning forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres and local neighbourhoods can be found throughout the country.
