Ward joins Spar 

Martha Ward has joined Spar in the new role of sales development and implementation manager. She was previously retail support manager at high street retailer Robert Dyas and has also worked for discounter Aldi as an area manager. Ward will be responsible for ensuring innovations are easy to implement at retail level. 

New marketing chief 

Accantia Health & Beauty, the maker of the Simple skin care range, has appointed Alex Pike as group marketing director. She has more than 20 years senior management experience, most recently as marketing director for Fitness First Group and previously as MD of Commercial Marketing Solutions. "There is so much potential to build on the heritage of Simple, to develop new products and expand globally," said Pike. 

Skillsmart patrons 

Charlie Mayfield, chairman of Waitrose parent company John Lewis, has been appointed a patron of Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for the retail sector. He is joined by Ian Cheshire, CEO of DIY chain B&Q, who also becomes a patron. Gordon Drummond, general manager of Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh, and Christine Morgan, personnel director of Pearsons, become board members. 

Strathmore shake-up 

Strathmore Foods, which supplies traditional Scottish meals, has announced a shake-up of its management team. Founders Colin Nisbet and Colin Muir are to take new positions in a move they say reflects the company's 10% year-on-year growth, which has taken its annual turnover to £9m. Nisbet becomes chairman and will step back from the day-to-day running of the business, while Muir takes on the role of chief executive. Julie Nisbet is to move from director to managing director.