Exclusive John Wood Appleby Westward's highly rated managing director Peter Kealy is leaving the Spar wholesaler to head Northern Ireland's Mace wholesaler J&J Haslett. It is an in-house move for Kealy, as both companies are owned by the Dublin based distribution giant BWG. Kealy moved from BWG's Spar operation in the Irish Republic to head Appleby Westward two and a half years ago, and has been credited with leading the company's turnaround and growth. Neither Kealy nor BWG would confirm the move this week, but Kealy is known to have informed Spar UK and Appleby Westward staff of the move, which will take effect from the middle of August. It is believed BWG is finalising a number of other appointments, including Kealy's successor, before making an announcement. Kealy's move will put him in direct opposition to his former Spar UK partner John Henderson Group, which owns the Spar, Vivo and VG franchises in Northern Ireland. In addition to Mace in Northern Ireland, J&J Haslett also has 13 Holmes cash and carry depots. {{NEWS }}

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