Spar Scotland wholesaler and retailer CJ Lang has appointed ex-Scotmid manager Robin Thomson in a bid to strengthen its company-owned store estate.
Thomson will take on the role of area manager for Dundee, Angus, Falkirk and Grangemouth.
He has spent 30 years in the convenience industry, most recently as a regional business manager with Scotmid. Prior to that he was an area manager for Botterills Convenience Stores.
Thomson is already familiar with CJ Lang, having been supplied by Spar Scotland at Botterills.
CJ Lang has 111 company-owned stores, having closed a number of loss-making stores in 2018. This resulted in a one-off cost of £1.6m in writedowns and lease charges being made, having put eight stores up for sale.
In January, the Dundee-based business hired Brian Straiton as company stores director to mprove efficiency and consistency of store processes.
“It’s great to have secured the appointment of Robin,” said Straiton. “He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and leadership with over 30 years in the convenience retail trade. This strengthens our team and Robin joins us at a very exciting time as the business continues to move forward with renewed energy and pace. Our company-owned stores estate has been working on a back to basics initiative, whilst renewing our retail operations across our own retail estate.”
Thomson added: “I’m delighted to have joined the business.
“I have previously worked alongside the CJ Lang business, being a part of Spar Scotland when I was area manager with Botterills Convenience Stores. I’m looking forward to returning to convenience retailing with CJ Lang. This is a very exciting time and the business has made many changes in the last 18 months. I’m delighted to be part of the team taking the business forward.”
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