After four years as Managing Director of SPAR UK, Louise Hoste has decided to leave the role to pursue new challenges in her career.

Louise Hoste joined SPAR UK in September 2019. During her time as Managing Director, she successfully helped steer the business and the convenience industry through the Covid-19 pandemic. She has driven all SPAR UK’s Central Office strategic change activity and has been instrumental in the future planning of the business, including launching SPAR’s ‘Joy of Living Locally’ brand positioning. Louise also modernised the Central Office, making it a great place to work.

On her time at SPAR UK, Louise said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at SPAR UK and working with a great team in Harrow. It was an extraordinary experience navigating the business through one of the most challenging moments in convenience retail history. It has been a pleasure to work with SPAR independent retailers and seeing them embrace the new brand positioning. With the support of five great shareholder partners, SPAR UK will continue to lead symbol group retailing well into the future. I am taking the opportunity now to pursue some new challenges.”

Nick Bunker, Non-Executive Chair, SPAR UK Food Distributors Board, added: “Louise has been a highly valued colleague to the Board of SPAR UK and to her senior management colleagues. We thank her for the advice, support, and commitment to the SPAR UK business over the past four years, during which time SPAR has continued to see growth and success. We wish Louise and her family all the very best for the future.

“A search for a new leader of SPAR UK begins as we remain focused on delivering our long-term strategy, driving profitable growth for our independent retailers, national account customers and suppliers.”

We at SPAR International wish Louise Hoste all the best as she moves on to new adventures.

Source: SPAR UK

Read more about SPAR UK

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR UK comprises independently owned, licensed, retailers and company-owned stores.