Stephen Murphy appointed chairman of Garden Centre Group

The Garden Centre Group, the UK’s largest garden centre company which was purchased by Terra Firma in April 2012, announces the appointment of Stephen Murphy as Chairman.

Stephen joins the Group having worked for many years at Virgin Group, the global branded consumer products and services business, latterly as CEO.

He has extensive board experience in both public and private companies working in consumer businesses across multiple sectors. He succeeded Sir Richard Branson as Group Chief Executive of Virgin Group, having first joined in 1994 as Group Finance Director following a successful career in many famous FMCG companies such as Mars and Unilever plc.

Stephen currently serves on several boards within the Virgin Group of companies, and remains a non-executive partner at the corporate finance advisory firm, Ashcombe Advisors. He is also non-executive Chairman of Jumeriah Group, the hotels and property group based in Dubai and The Learning Clinic. He also sits on the board of The Business Growth Fund.

Guy Hands, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Terra Firma, said: “Stephen is an excellent appointment. He is an exceptional leader with enormous experience in retail and across many other sectors. I am sure he will add great value to The Garden Centre Group and we look forward to working with him.”

Commenting on his appointment, Stephen Murphy said: "The Garden Centre Group is a brilliant business, and I am excited about working with the company and to support its continued growth under Terra Firma’s ownership.”

Nicholas Marshall, CEO of The Garden Centre Group said: "I am delighted to announce Stephen Murphy’s appointment as Chairman of The Garden Centre Group. His wealth of experience makes him ideally positioned to support the Group as we continue our exciting journey.”

Source : Garden & Hardware News
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