Nicolas Marshall takes over at Dobbies

Former Wyevale boss Nicolas Marshall has stepped in to take control of the 34 store garden centre chain Dobbies, after Chief Executive John Cleland left with immediate effect, after only eight months in charge.

The surprise exit (due to family and personal reasons) occurred only days after he unveiled Dobbies new store of the future in Atherstone, Warwickshire.

Marshall has more than 30 years experience in the garden centre sector, having originally founded County Gardens, which he eventually sold for more than £120m and then founded Country Homes and Gardens. Since then, he has been CEO of Wyevale Garden Centres for four years, taking them from almost certain administration to a sale for £300m.

Marshall said: “I have known and admired the Dobbies business for many years, both as a competitor and indeed as a customer. I’m really looking forward to working with what I know to be a talented and committed group and I am certain we can achieve great success together for all our customers.”

Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital purchased Dobbies from Tesco in a £217m deal in 2016 and their Head Office is based in Edinburgh.

Chairman of Dobbies Andrew Bracey, who appointed his former Somerfield colleague Cleland last summer, said: “I have known Nicholas for many years. “He is one of the most successful leaders the industry has ever seen and we are thrilled that he has joined Dobbies as CEO.

“Since the acquisition from Tesco in July, we have been highly impressed by the dedication, loyalty and hard work of Dobbies’ team. With Nicholas at the helm, we feel that Dobbies’ stores will only improve further and we look forward to the forthcoming spring season.”

Source: Insight DIY Team

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