The Very Group Appoints Two New Non-Executive Directors

The Very Group, which operates multicategory digital retailers Very and Littlewoods, has  appointed Richard Mayfield and Tim Franklin as Non-Executive Directors.

In his most recent role between January 2021 and January 2022, Richard led Walmart Global Sourcing, a fully integrated supply chain that supports all Walmart’s divisions in the United States and international markets.

Prior to this between 2020 and 2021, he was Executive Vice President and Regional CEO for Walmart Mexico and Central America, Canada, and UK, with responsibility for an omnichannel business covering 4,500 stores and 600,000 associates.  

Between 2016 and 2019, Richard served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Walmart International. He joined Walmart in 2012 as CFO of its UK business, Asda, and became EMEA region CFO in 2014.

Richard’s experience also includes leadership roles at UK retailers Kingfisher, House of Fraser and Waitrose, as well as strategy consulting experience with L.E.K. Consulting. A chartered accountant, Richard holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University and is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.

Tim Franklin, who was recently appointed as Chair of the boards of The Very Group’s subsidiaries, Shop Direct Finance Company Limited (SDFC)1 and Shop Direct Ireland, will also join The Very Group board as a Non-Executive Director.

Tim, who is an experienced board Director and Chair with a track record of delivery across a variety of financial services businesses, has been a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at SDFC since October 2021.

His previous experience includes Chief Operating Officer at Co-operative Banking Group and Managing Director of Britannia Building Society’s member business, as well as Non-Executive and Chair roles at Post Office Insurance, HM Land Registry and not for profit organisation Reclaim Fund.

Dirk van den Burge, Non-Executive Chair of The Very Group, commented: “Richard is a highly accomplished, respected, and talented retail leader, with a diverse range of global and UK experience across management, strategy, and finance roles. Tim has exceptional experience in the UK finance industry and has played a significant role in the success of our Very Finance business as a member of its board.

“Both Richard’s and Tim’s experience and counsel will prove invaluable as we continue to deliver on our strategy, focusing on the value, convenience, and flexibility our customers need, as well as the good governance our stakeholders expect.”

1 Tim's appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Source : The Very Group

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