Sugro UK MD Neil Turton will step down on 19 April, two years after agreeing to stay with the buying group in order to steer it through the coronavirus pandemic.
Convenience veteran Turton initially handed in his notice in January 2020 and was due to leave in May of that year. However, as the pandemic hit in March of that year he agreed to remain in post for the foreseeable future.
Sugro said it planned to replace Turton, who would be working with the board “to ensure a smooth transition”.
The search for a successor is set to commence imminently.
“Sugro has performed exceptionally well in 2021, as we did in 2020,” said Turton. “It is well-placed for the future as an independent and entrepreneurial buying group. I’ve very much enjoyed three-and-a-half years working with the members, the board and the Nantwich team. Sugro is in a strong place and a natural home for independent wholesalers.”
Turton told The Grocer he was not leaving for another role and that he was looking to spend more time focusing on a number of his non-executive roles and his charity work, including training for this year’s wholesale and convenience charity bike ride in Bosnia, in June. Turton is co-founder of the annual rides in support of landmine clearance charity Mines Advisory Group.
However he insisted he was “not retiring” and remained open-minded regarding future opportunities.
As well as announcing Turton’s departure, Sugro, which has 82 members, revealed that its sales were up 16% in 202, marking 16 years of consecutive growth. This was primarily driven by strong performance in its core impulse categories. Confectionery sales were up 37%, soft drinks 26% and snacks 10%.
Compared with the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, turnover was up 30%.
No comments yet