NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO JOIN CARD FACTORY

A new chief executive is set to join high street gift card retailer Card Factory in the new year.

Darcy Willson-Rymer will join from Costcutter Supermarkets, where he has served as chief executive for the last eight years.

Willson-Rymer was previously chief executive at Clinton Cards from 2011 to 2012. Prior to that he held roles including managing director (UK and Ireland) of Starbucks Coffee Company; and senior roles at Yum Restaurants International, including operations director of KFC Great Britain; and director of operations and franchise, Europe, KFC and Pizza Hut.

Willson-Rymer will join Wakefield-headquartered Card Factory on 8 March 2021, following expiry of his notice period. Paul Moody will revert to his role as non-executive chairman.

Moody said: "Darcy has excellent credentials and experience to lead Card Factory through the next phase of our evolution and to continue to lead the implementation of the refreshed strategy.

"He has experienced successfully leading a complex, multi-site retail business in Costcutter, held senior positions in two customer service-centred global branded businesses in Starbucks and Yum, in particular, where he led a business with an operating model encompassing both owned and franchised units.

"Darcy brings highly relevant knowledge and experience that will hugely benefit Card Factory."

Willson-Rymer added: "As a long-standing admirer of Card Factory, I am thrilled to be able to lead the business through the next phase of its growth journey.

"Working with the team at Card Factory, my ambition is to unlock the true potential of the business by delivering its transformation strategy in the UK and internationally."

Source: New chief executive to join Card Factory | Insider Media