Name: Phil Smith
Was: MD for Musgrave Retail Partners GB
Now: Commercial director for Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant

Career background: Smith’s last role in grocery was as MD of Budgens and Londis owner Musgrave Retail Partners GB. He left the wholesaler in November 2010 following a boardroom shake-up at Musgrave Group, which saw Donal Horgan parachuted in from Ireland. He joined Musgrave GB in June 2007 from national lottery operator Camelot, where he was commercial and operations director. Prior to that, he held marketing roles at Somerfield and Kraft Foods.

What is he doing now? Last month, Smith resurfaced as commercial director for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant - a 1,000-boat tribute to mark the Queen’s 60 years on the throne on 3 June. He has been tasked with raising sponsorship from brands for the event. “It’s going to be a momentous occasion,” said Smith when Sainsbury’s signed up as the first corporate partner in January. “It will allow us to use their marketing footprints to take the pageant to the world.”

Smith is also commercial marketing director for Buddi - a personal alarm and support service that locates or summons help to vulnerable people if they have fallen or are lost.

Biggest achievement in grocery: At Camelot, Smith effectively took control of the day-to-day running of the operator in 2005 while CEO Dianne Thompson put together Camelot’s licence bid. Camelot won the licence, extending its operation of the lottery until 2019.

What does the future hold? Smith started his career in grocery and held a number of high-profile roles in the industry before leaving Musgrave Group, so don’t bet against a return to the sector.

Topics