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Ex-Asda CEO takes chair at Menzies Distribution – Day by day Enterprise

Ex-Asda CEO takes chair at Menzies Distribution – Daily Business

Andy Clarke: off to Menzies

Menzies Distribution, the Edinburgh-based logistics company, has appointed former Asda CEO Andy Clarke as non-executive chairman.

Under Clarke, Asda became the UK’s second largest grocery retailer and its clothing store in George became the UK’s top-selling clothing brand.

Before that he worked at Wm Morrison, Matalan and Iceland and worked for the strategy consultancy McKinsey & Partners.

He has developed a portfolio career since retiring from Asda. He currently serves as chairman of operational services specialist Newton Europe, chairman of Leeds-Bradford Airport, Immodulon Therapeutics and Spoon Guru, and advisor to food company Albert Bartlett.

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As an advocate of plastic reform, he has actively campaigned for practical change and public debate in the media. He is a consultant to A Plastic Planet. His retail-focused projects included the A Plastics Free Aisle campaign.

Greg Michael, CEO of Menzies, said, “Andy is an influential figure in the UK business.

“His longstanding experience as chairman and his excellent track record in various sectors relevant to Menzies will be invaluable.”

Mr Clarke said he looks forward to “working closely with Greg and the senior team as Menzies takes advantage of the many compelling opportunities to cement his position as a key force in UK logistics”.

Menzies Distribution sells 29.5 million magazines, newspapers and packages weekly in more than 100 locations in the UK and Ireland.

With more than 5,000 employees and more than 4,000 vehicles, the group has annual sales of around GBP 1.2 billion.

The private equity investor Endless acquired a majority stake in Menzies Distribution in 2018 as part of the company’s separation from John Menzies.

In December last year, Menzies acquired Bibby Distribution from the 213-year-old family-owned Bibby Line Group and added 38 facilities to the group.

Aidan Robson, Endless Partner, added: “At a time when Covid-19 is redefining the importance of logistics in the UK, Andy Clarke’s vast experience in retail and multi-channel companies will help Menzies pursue growth Realize expansion and acquisition through both organic products. ”