Mccoll's Regulatory News (MCLS)

McColl's Retail Group

Directorate Change

4 January 2019 - McColl's Retail Group plc, the convenience retailer, ("McColl's" or "the Group") is pleased to announce that, following a rigorous search process, it has appointed Robbie Bell to the Board as Chief Financial Officer. Robbie, who is moving on from his current position as Chief Executive Officer of Welcome Break Limited, following its takeover by Applegreen plc, will take up his appointment on 17 January 2019.

Robbie was appointed CFO of Welcome Break, one of the UK's leading independent motorway service operators, in 2017 before taking on the role of CEO in early 2018. His time at Welcome Break has included managing the sale and ownership transition process, which has been achieved whilst delivering against financial targets.

Prior to that, and since 2009, he had been the CFO of Screwfix Direct Limited, a subsidiary of Kingfisher plc. During his time there he oversaw significant business growth, driven by strong like-for-like sales and an extensive store opening programme.

With over 20 years of retail experience, Robbie was the UK Finance Director of Travelodge from 2006-2008, and formerly held a number of senior finance positions at Tesco PLC. These included roles within the commercial buying division and Finance Director of convenience retailer Adminstore, which was acquired and integrated into the Tesco convenience estate.

Robbie is also a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Ultimate Products Global Sourcing Holdings plc. There is no further information to be disclosed pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13.

Pursuant to the announcement on 23 July 2018, McColl's' departing CFO Simon Fuller will leave the Company on 22 February 2019 following a handover period.

Jonathan Miller, Chief Executive, said: 

"I am delighted to welcome someone of Robbie's calibre and expertise to the Board. With such a wealth of senior experience in retail and finance, he will add significant strength to the team. I am confident Robbie will make a valuable contribution as we deliver our strategy to enhance our neighbourhood convenience offer."

Robbie Bell said: 

"I am excited to be joining a growing sector with so many opportunities. McColl's is well placed to benefit from that growth and I'm looking forward to working with Jonathan and the management team to drive future value."

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Enquiries

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Notes to editors

1. McColl's is a leading neighbourhood retailer, with an estate of 1,556 managed convenience stores and newsagents. We operate McColl's branded convenience stores as well as newsagents branded Martin's across the UK, except in Scotland where we operate under our heritage brand, RS McColl. Our dedicated colleagues serve five million customers every week, and we are the largest operator of Post Offices in the UK, with c.600 in-store counters/branches.

2. Robbie Bell's compensation package is in accordance with McColl's shareholder approved Remuneration Policy, and details will be disclosed in our Annual Report and Accounts 2018.