SPAR appoints new Non-Executive Chair

SPAR UK Ltd is announcing the appointment of Nick Bunker as Non-Executive Chair of the SPAR Food Distributors (SFD) Board.

Nick takes over the position from Martin Agnew, Joint Chair of Henderson Group, who has held the role since 2011. Martin will continue to be a Director on the SFD Board.

SPAR continues to deliver strong growth, remaining well ahead of the symbol sector. Investment over the last 12 months has gone into the brand, stores, ranges, technology and infrastructure in order to support the sales and profitability of independent convenience businesses.

The SPAR Food Distributors (SFD) Board works collaboratively on behalf of SPAR UK. Its purpose is to facilitate efficient and effective partnership between the five businesses and bring mutual commercial and customer benefit. This is the first time SPAR has appointed the role of Chair from outside the organisation, ensuring the business maximises future opportunities and successful growth. The SFD Chair role supports the future growth and development of SPAR UK.

Bunker comes armed with a wealth of grocery industry expertise. He has extensive Board and stakeholder experience through a number of Chairman and Director roles over 25 years across public, family, PE and JV businesses.

He spent thirteen years with Kraft Foods both in the UK and internationally. In 2010 he was appointed President of Kraft Foods & Cadbury (now Mondelez) and led the integration in the UK / Ireland. He was latterly CEO at KP Snacks for five years and Managing Director of Pladis from 2017-2019.

Martin said: “The SPAR brand is what connects us to our shoppers. It is how we distinguish ourselves as the leading symbol group in the UK.  As convenience retail continues to change, our long-term strategy means we need to keep challenging ourselves. The appointment of Nick as Non-Executive Chair will be a great addition to our ambitious growth plans. Nick has an outstanding track record of leadership and he will add strategic insight and a fresh perspective to the SPAR business.”

“I am delighted to be joining the Board of SPAR Food Distributors and look forward to supporting the ambitious and collaborative growth plans of the business. The convenience market is evolving and the SPAR brand has significant potential to develop further through its focus on compelling neighbourhood stores which deliver value, service and a great product range for customers,” Bunker added.