Home and garden discounter Wilko is looking for a new retail director following the resignation of Chris Ward after two years in the post.
Ward, who has over 25 years’ experience in retail transformation, was appointed in February 2020, in one of the first moves by then new Wilko CEO Jerome Saint-Marc.
Ward’s was one of two key appointments made by Saint-Marc to strengthen the senior leadership team, the other being that of Alison Hands as trading director.
Ward had previously been chief commercial officer at Jollyes Pet Superstores. Before that, he held senior transformation roles at Marks & Spencer, B&Q and Tuffnells.
He resigned from Wilko on 15 February, according to documents filed at Companies House.
“We’re sorry we’ll be saying goodbye to Chris Ward,” said a Wilko spokesman. “He’s been a key member of our senior leadership team and a key player in helping us create an environment for change within our shops.
“We wish Chris all the very best for the future. We’re currently recruiting and we’ll announce his replacement soon.”
Wilko is undertaking a review of its store portfolio aimed at winning better deals from landlords and optimising the estate to cater for changing shopping habits. The privately-owned retailer said in January 15 of its 414 stores would close this year unless landlords agreed to more favourable terms.
The business said it would not affect its store opening and relocation programme, which would “ensure future investments are only made in great locations with suitable terms”.
Affected staff would be offered any available positions in nearby stores, CEO Jerome Saint-Marc said at the time.
Latest Wilko full-year accounts, for the 12 months ended 30 January 2021, show sales fell 7.3% to £1.4bn as lockdowns impacted high street footfall. Like-for-like sales were down 7.7%.
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