Former Clinton's boss takes helm at Costcutter (From York Press)

Former Clinton's boss takes helm at Costcutter

10:39am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Julie Hayes, Business editor

THE FORMER chief executive of Clinton Cards and managing director of Starbucks UK and Ireland has taken over as York's Costcutter Supermarkets Group's new chief executive.

Darcy Willson-Rymer, who left Clintons when administrators were appointed in May, replaces Nick Ivel, who became chief executive of Costcutter in November when Bibby Line Group bought the Dunnington -based group.

Mr Willson-Rymer has previously spent 19 years with Yum Brands in various positions including operations director for KFC Great Britain and was also managing director of Persil Services Ltd, which provided a network of dry cleaning and laundry concessions within supermarkets across the UK, and managing director of Starbucks UK and Ireland for three years.

Mr Ivel's departure follows a reorganisation of the management team in May, when Colin Graves, founder of the business and previously executive chairman, resigned rather than become non-executive chairman.

Mr Ivel said: “After 14 years with Costcutter Supermarkets Group I feel that now is the right time for a change of leadership and a change of direction for me. I leave Costcutter Supermarkets Group in a strong position and with a team capable of leading the business to the next stage in its development.

"I have been involved in the recruitment of Darcy and I believe he is an excellent choice as chief executive and the right person to lead Costcutter Supermarkets Group. I will be available to assist Darcy where necessary and to give consultancy support to the business and identify potential acquisition targets."

Sir Michael Bibby, managing director of Bibby Line Group, said: “Darcy has an excellent track record within the retail sector and his appointment heralds a new era for Costcutter Supermarkets Group and all of its retailers. I have every confidence that he and the highly skilled board of directors will build upon previous success and drive the business forward.

“Darcy inherits a very strong and very experienced board of directors who are committed to delivering a market-leading convenience retail proposition. Costcutter Supermarkets Group leads the way in offering independent retailers the very best solutions for their business, helping them to grow their customer base, profits and sales, and Darcy’s vast experience will add a new dynamic as we continue to grow the business.”

Mr Willson-Rymer added: “Costcutter is one of the biggest brands in convenience retailing, supporting independent retailers throughout the UK and giving them the tools they need to grow their businesses. With the new format kwiksave brand performing ahead of target and the roll out of the premium myCostcutter brand gathering pace, it truly is an exciting time to be joining the business. I am very much looking forward to meeting retailers across the UK in order to help them develop their exceptional convenience stores. The continued development and expansion of our company owned store portfolio is also a key objective and I look forward to working with the team to progress this.”