Booker Group has today announced Director changes with the Group Operations Director stepping down, and the appointment of a Non-executive Director.
Bryn Satherley, having served for ten years as Group Operations Director, will be retiring from Booker Group with effect from 1 April 2016.
Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive, said, 'Bryn has done a brilliant job for Booker Group. He has decided to retire but will remain a good friend of Booker and we wish him all the very best in the future.'
Rather than replacing Satherley, Guy Farrant, Managing Director of Booker Wholesale, will become Chief Operating Officer with effect from 1 April 2016 and Satherley's responsibilities will be split amongst the other members of the Executive team.
Booker has also announced the appointment of Gary Hughes as a Non-executive Director, with effect from today.
Hughes is a senior member of the Operational Excellence team at Apax Partners - the global private equity firm - where he also sits on the boards of two portfolio companies - Smart Technologies Inc and BMI Healthcare Limited. In addition, he is a non-executive director of Premier Farnell plc, Majid Al Futtaim Retail LLP, SECC Limited and the Scottish Football Association.
His previous roles include Chief Financial Officer of Gala Coral Group, Chief Executive Officer of the largest operating division of United Business Media plc and Group Finance Director of Emap plc. Gary qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Whinney - now Ernst & Young.
Booker's Chairman, Stewart Gilliland said, 'We are delighted to welcome Gary to the Board. His extensive experience in finance and operational roles in a number of industries will provide a valuable addition to the Company as we continue our journey to focus, drive and broaden Booker.'
Andrew Cripps, who has been a Non-executive Director since November 2007 and chairs Booker's Audit Committee, will stand down from the Board at the end of 2016. At that time, Gary will become Chairman of the Audit Committee.