Name: Nick Ivel
Was: CEO, Costcutter
Now: Consultant
Years in grocery: 14
Career background: Ivel joined Costcutter in 1998 as finance and IT director. Seven years after joining the c-store group he became MD, replacing Costcutter founder Colin Graves who took up the role of executive chairman. In November 2011, Ivel was named CEO after stakeholder Bibby Line took full control. Ivel left Costcutter just over a year ago, stating it was the “right time for a change of leadership”, and was replaced by former Starbucks and Clinton Cards boss Darcy Willson-Rymer. After leaving Costcutter, he set up the Ivel Business Consultancy.
What’s he doing now? Ivel assists companies and individuals with building, implementing, monitoring and achieving strategic goals. In August, he was brought in by KPMG to assist with its retail strategy as the business expects further consolidation in the c-store sector. At the time of the appointment, KPMG said it was “delighted to be able to lean on Nick’s extensive experience to guide and advise our clients on their future strategy in this crowded marketplace”. Ivel said: “Costcutter’s recently announced joint venture with Palmer & Harvey is simply the tip of the iceberg and I expect to see many other players considering a similar strategy.” Ivel has also worked with other businesses in the convenience sector, advising them on their growth strategies.
The future: Ivel says he has had many offers of exec and non-exec director roles outside convenience, but says his continued interest in the sector means he has not progressed these - although wouldn’t rule out returning to a full-time role. “I have now found a superb work-life balance that allows me plenty of time to do the things I always wanted to but could never find the time for.”
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