SPAR UK has announced the appointment of Nick Bunker as Non-Executive Chair of the SPAR Food Distributors (SFD) Board. Nick Bunker takes over the position from Martin Agnew, Joint Chair of SPAR regional partner Henderson Group, who has held the role since 2011. Martin Agnew will continue to be a Director on the SFD Board.

SPAR continues to deliver strong growth, remaining well ahead of the UK symbol sector. Investment over the last 12 months has gone into the brand, stores, ranges, technology, and infrastructure to support the sales and profitability of independent convenience businesses.

Maximising opportunities and growth

The SPAR Food Distributors (SFD) Board works collaboratively on behalf of SPAR UK. Its purpose is to facilitate efficient and effective partnership between the five businesses and bring mutual commercial and customer benefit. This is the first time SPAR has appointed the role of Chair from outside the organisation, ensuring the business maximises future opportunities and successful growth. The SFD Chair role supports the future growth and development of SPAR UK.

Nick Bunker joins with a wealth of grocery industry expertise. He has extensive Board and stakeholder experience through several Chairman and Director roles over 25 years across public, family, PE, and JV businesses.

He spent thirteen years with Kraft Foods both in the UK and internationally. In 2010, he was appointed President of Kraft Foods & Cadbury (now Mondelez) and led the integration in the UK / Ireland. He was latterly CEO at KP Snacks for five years and Managing Director of Pladis from 2017-2019.

Strategic insight and a fresh perspective

Martin Agnew said, “The SPAR Brand is what connects us to our shoppers. It is how we distinguish ourselves as the leading symbol group in the UK. As convenience retail continues to change, our long-term strategy means we must keep challenging ourselves. The appointment of Nick as Non-Executive Chair will be a great addition to our ambitious growth plans. Nick has an outstanding track record of leadership, and he will add strategic insight and a fresh perspective to the SPAR business.”

Nick Bunker added, “I am delighted to be joining the Board of SPAR Food Distributors and look forward to supporting the business’ ambitious and collaborative growth plans. The convenience market is evolving. The SPAR brand has significant potential to develop further through its focus on compelling neighbourhood stores which deliver value, service, and a great product range for customers.”

Source: SPAR UK

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About SPAR UK

The UK became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. As a result, there are now five regional partners in the UK. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group.

SPAR has led the highly competitive convenience market in the UK for many years. Always innovative, the five regional partners continue to grow the brand. SPAR UK comprises independently owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores. These include forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhood stores.