The new managing director of Iceland is no stranger to the frozen food chain. And the appointment of Andrew Pritchard ­ who joined the chain from Ernst & Young in 1983 ­ gives the Iceland group some much needed stability at a time when the mds of both its operating divisions have quit. Nevertheless, the appointment of the 42-year-old accountant to run the wacky frozen food chain has surprised many in the trade. But Bill Grimsey, group chief executive, said it made perfect sense: "Andy's been an excellent finance director for the group and has a full understanding of the Iceland business and good grasp of the issues. "The thing I need most is continuity. "What Andy does not have in trading and commercial experience he makes up for with his intellect and knowledge of the business." Pritchard's experience since becoming an executive director in 1995 includes taking responsibility for a range of operational functions including property, IT and logistics as well as finance. Before the merger with Booker, Pritchard was finance director and joint md with Russell Ford. After last summer's merger, he became group finance director. Grimsey said that Ford had quit after it became clear that they had completely different management styles. Pritchard's role will now be filled by Bill Hoskins, who was previously finance director of Wickes ­ where he worked with Grimsey. "He's a proven finance director with an excellent background," said Grimsey. {{PEOPLE MOVES }}

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