Cover Story

APPOINTMENTS

Nisa welcomes new CEO

Former CEO Ken Towle is moving to Asda after more than three-and-a-half years at the symbol group.

Michael Fletcher, Co-op’s Chief Commercial Officer, has been unveiled as Nisa’s new Chief Executive after it was revealed that Ken Towle is to join Asda as Retail Director.

Fletcher joined Co-op in 2013 and was part of the leadership team that helped reset the retailer’s proposition and get Co-op back on its feet. He has extensive operational experience, developing and leading commercial strategy, opening new markets, and leading integration synergy initiatives.

Over the past two years, while facing into the challenges of Covid-19, Fletcher has overseen the successful deployment of the Retail Business Transformation (RBT) programme, which delivered a significant step change in the Co-op’s proposition capabilities in 2021.

Fletcher led the team that acquired Nisa and helped create the new operating model for Nisa, which enabled the symbol group to leverage the synergies between Co-op and Nisa – driving greater value for partners.

Previously Fletcher spent 22 years at Tesco, having joined the Tesco graduation programme in 1991, and held numerous commercial roles across fresh and ambient, including delivery of value through price.

Fletcher said: “I am delighted to take on the leadership of the Nisa business. I know many of the Partners and I look forward to meeting many more as we work together to make the very most of an exciting future.” Towle, who joined the symbol group in May 2018, said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Nisa business. Nisa is fortunate to work with fantastic partners from whom I have learnt so much. I wish everyone continued success in the future.” He added: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Asda team and I am really looking forward to getting started later in the year.” Mohsin and Zuber Issa, who own Asda with

TDR Capital, said: “Ken’s considerable expertise as a Retail and Wholesale CEO with many years’ experience in some of the largest and most complex businesses, both in the UK and internationally, make him the right person to lead our retail operations team.”They added: “We are delighted that we continue to attract such talent to our great business. Together, we will continue to put our customers at the heart of all our decision making and focus on delivering excellent service in what we know will be another challenging period for consumers.”

NISA WELCOMES NEW LEAD FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

Mark Fletcher

Nisa has also welcomed Nigel Maxwell into the business to head up the Northern Ireland team.

Maxwell will support Nisa partners across Northern Ireland and leading Nisa’s Irish team. He brings with him more than 30 years’ experience in grocery retailing, largely in Northern Ireland, as well as the Republic of Ireland and England. He has worked with independent retailers for 20 years of his career. Most recently he held the position of Sales Director for Supervalu and Centra in Northern Ireland, part of the Musgrave retail and wholesale group.

Victoria Lockie, Head of Retail at Nisa, said: “I’m excited to welcome Nigel to the team. He is a well-respected figure in the industry with a wealth of knowledge, particularly about the independent sector in Northern Ireland and a track record of working with independent retailers and helping them to grow their sales and profits.

“Nigel is a valuable addition to the Nisa team and I’m very much looking forward to working with him as he supports our Irish partners and helps to drive forward their businesses.”

Maxwell said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the team at Nisa and our retail partners to continue to grow and develop the business. I can’t wait to get out to meet the retailers and build on the successful relationships that are the core of the Nisa business model.”