Holland & Barrett has appointed former Marks & Spencer product development chief April Preston as its new global product director.
Preston, who has over 30 years of experience in retail, will be responsible for leading H&B’s product and services strategy.
“This role ticked so many boxes for me as it allows me to work on a global scale, play a part in a company’s transformation and help our customers to improve their health and wellness through delicious food and a more holistic personal approach, which is something I care deeply about,” said Preston.
Prior to her new role at the health and wellness retailer, Preston was product development director at M&S Food for three years, where she helped revitalise its growing food range to “ensure it had greater relevance for more people”.
This included the creation of hundreds of more everyday and family-focused products to support the Ocado joint venture, delivering new ranges such as plant-based, as well as leading the design of the Costa Coffee partnership menu.
She also previously held senior positions at Harrods – where she helped revamp its food halls – 2 Sisters Food Group, Boparan and Conran Group. Prior to these roles, she had been with M&S for 18 years in the product development area.
Preston has extensive experience across concept and product innovation, strategic transformation, and consumer insight and trend analysis.
“I am delighted to have April onboard, this is a real coup for Holland & Barrett as we believe somebody of April’s extensive experience will prove pivotal in enhancing our transformation strategy,” said Holland & Barrett CCO Alex Dower.
Preston added: “I am so excited to get stuck into my new role at Holland & Barrett and work to create ranges and products that ensure we become the world’s leading retailer of great quality, delicious and nutritious food, and natural beauty.”
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