Spar UK has announced the appointment of former Walmart, Asda and Co-op director Louise Hoste as its new managing director.
Hoste comes to the business with a wide range of international retail experience, having worked for Walmart in the UK, Canada and Chile in commercial, customer and general management roles.
After leaving Walmart she had three years in commercial director roles in the general merchandise and home and seasonal departments at Asda, before becoming director of category and pricing at Brakes Foodservice and subsequently director of the customer offer at the Co-op.
It was in this role that she relaunched the Co-op brand across the food ranges and worked on the ‘Closer To You’ strategy to support the retailer’s local and community agenda.
Most recently Hoste was executive commercial director at greeting card chain Card Factory.
Spar UK’s chairman Martin Agnew said: “We are excited to have Louise join SPAR. She brings senior level expertise working with suppliers across the industry and also has a passion for consumer led initiatives.
“Louise joins SPAR at a time when the business continues to drive innovation across the convenience retailing sector. We look forward to welcoming Louise to our business.”
Commenting on her new appointment, Hoste said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with the leading convenience symbol group championing independent retailers and the local communities within which they serve.
“My focus will be to continue to drive the Spar brand forward increasing its relevance with customers and developing the offer to drive sales and profit.”
Hoste will take up her position by October 2019.
