Management changes at Somerfield picked up pace this week with news that Katie Bickerstaffe, the supermarket chain’s group retail director, is to become managing director for Kwik Save.
The reshuffle follows the appointment of DIY chain B&Q’s commercial director, John Cleland, as retail director.
His appointment is the third made by Somerfield’s new owners Violet Acquisitions in less than a month.
In a shock announcement last month, Somerfield’s
chief executive Steve Back was ousted in favour of former Asda boss Paul Mason, who takes up his new role next month. And as revealed by The Grocer (January 21, p14), former Tesco grocery trading director Colin Smith has joined Somerfield as its new trading and marketing director. He started this week.
Bickerstaffe will remain in her current role until Cleland takes up his responsibilities later this month.
Bickerstaffe has held a number of senior roles at Somerfield and her rise up the ranks has been meteoric.
In October 2002 she became group HR director and was appointed to the group executive committee. After a stint as director of Somerfield stores and retail services she was promoted to group retail director, where she was also responsible for Kwik Save retail operations. She was also appointed to the board.
Camelot has promoted Steve Lyons to the position of customer business controller for supermarket and high street retailers. Lyons, who has worked at Camelot since July 2001, was most recently retail sales controller with responsibility for strategy and operational delivery.

Clive Davies has been promoted to the position of MD for reduced sugar jam, marmalade and honey producer Streamline Foods. Davies, who was previously sales and marketing director at Streamline Foods, replaces Geoff Miller who is retiring after 30 years but will remain on the company’s board.

Maurice McCartney has been appointed director of the British Meat Processors Association. McCartney joined the BPMA in August 2004 as deputy director following four years at the Meat and Livestock Commission.
Beth Brooks
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