Wyevale Garden Centres Announces Management Changes

Wyevale Garden Centres has today announced a number of changes to its executive and senior leadership team.

Following the successful completion of the initial phase of the sale process, and a strong close to the year, Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC will leave the business at the end of January, handing over the running of the business to Anthony Jones, who is promoted from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Operating Officer.

Justin King, currently Non-Executive Chairman, will become Executive Chairman. As part of this re-organisation, Paul Emslie, Trading & Marketing Director, will also leave the business, and there are further changes across the leadership team.

The changes follow a transformational year for WGC which has seen the sale of 40 garden centres and put the business in a much stronger financial position. These changes deliver a support structure and cost base appropriate to the future needs of the re-shaped business.

The business commenced a sale process in May 2018 and continues to evaluate a wide range of competitive offers from the group buyers, regional operators and local entrepreneurs.

Justin King, Executive Chairman of WGC said: “I would like to thank Rog for his outstanding leadership in transforming Wyevale Garden Centres into a business that puts customers and colleagues at the heart of its operation. Wyevale Garden Centres has transformed beyond recognition over the period of his leadership and is now well placed for the future.

"I would also like to thank Paul for the critical role he has played in transforming our customer proposition, including delivering improved ranges, better stock availability and stronger customer communications.”

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be handing over to Anthony Jones, who has worked closely with me on every step of the turnaround, including leading the re-shaping of the portfolio through the sale process. 

"I am extremely confident he will deliver strong results. I would also like to thank all our colleagues at Wyevale Garden Centres who are the most passionate, talented and committed I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Source : Reproduced with permission from the good people at GTN Xtra