Name: Derek Pretty
Was: Finance director for Kwik Save
Now: Chairman of Southwest One
Years in grocery: 17

Career background: Derek Pretty was finance director for two grocery companies - Budgens and Kwik Save - as well as Kingfisher. He left Kwik Save in 1998 when the discount chain was acquired by Somerfield. He then took up the role of chief operating officer for the University of Bristol, where he worked for 12 years. During this time he also held a number of non-exec roles, including chairman of 3C Research, director of Southern Universities Management Services, and chairman of Bristol Innovations.

Where are you now? “I retired from full-time work in 2011 after 12 years as chief operating officer of the University of Bristol, and my main role now is part-time independent chairman of Southwest One. It’s a joint venture company between IBM and Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and the Avon and Somerset Police to deliver public and back office services.”

What were your biggest achievements in the grocery sector? “It is hard to say after 13 years away from retailing. As a former finance director, I am proud that the organisations in which I played a leadership role were well managed financially.”

How is your current role different from those you held before? “It is at the interface of the public and private sectors where public service has to be a critical driver. It is an evolution from working in higher education, which was the best thing I ever did - helping to really change people’s lives rather than worrying about the price of baked beans is very rewarding!”

Do you miss grocery and will you come back? “Not greatly now, but it was exciting while it lasted. I will not be returning.”

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