The Big Food Group has announced that Mike Coupe, managing director of Iceland, is stepping down in September after two years in the role.
In its third quarter trading statement, BFG said Coupe would continue as MD until early September.
Coupe joined Iceland in late 2001 from Asda, where he was trading director. After a shaky start as Iceland MD, having introduced an unsuccessful promotional strategy which failed to arrest tumbling sales or deliver profit, Coupe leaves with sales in growth. This achievement has been helped by the introduction of supply chain efficiencies such as a new sales-based ordering system and a range of new store formats.
BFG chief executive Bill Grimsey said Coupe had “achieved an enormous amount” in his two years.
“Mike has got Iceland moving again and is responsible for the new store formats driving growth. He feels he wants to take stock and see what he wants to do next. I am very disappointed he is leaving.”
Bill Stoddart, Teather & Greenwood analyst, said: “Whoever joins will have to make sure the new formats roll out continues at pace and look towards the next step.”
Before joining Iceland in late 2001, Coupe was trading director for Asda.
Rod Addy