Bestway Retail head Andy Cresswell to step down

Bestway has announced the departure of Andy Cresswell, who has been heading its retail division as chief retail officer.

Cresswell will be leaving the group in January 2021, after two years in charge of the companies’ owned and franchise stores.

His appointment in early 2019 was part of a series of changes Bestway Wholesale announced to its senior leadership team, following the appointment of Dawood Pervez as managing director.

Pervez commented: “The Bestway Group’s Board is immensely grateful to Andy for the stability and vision he has brought over the last two years.

“Much has changed at Bestway Retail under his tenure-ship and Andy has been a valued member of our leadership team and pivotal in driving our retail strategy over this period.  We would like to extend our thanks to him for the significant developments which have taken place under his leadership and take this opportunity to wish him well for the future.”

Cresswell said: “After two years, I’m pleased to leave Bestway Retail in a strong position and well equipped to face the challenges ahead.

“I will leave behind an influential organisation that supports smaller retailers to grow. Bestway is valued, trusted and relied upon by suppliers and retailers alike, and I’m sure the organisation will continue to flourish in the years’ ahead. I wish the management team and all staff the very best for the future.”

Bestway said it has started a process to recruit a Head of Stores to run the company operated estate and support the continued development of the overall retail offer.

In the meantime, Paul Adams will continue to head up best-one and Mark Simmonds, who has been at Bestway Retail since 2018, will focus on the franchise estate, both reporting to Pervez.