Dobbbies names new CEO

Dobbies' new private equity owners - Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital - have appointed John Clelend as its new chief executive officer.

John Cleland has worked in senior management roles at ASDA, B&Q, Maplin and Somerfield, among others. 

He replaces Andy King, who is understood to be taking on a strategic advisory role with the garden centre chain.

Cleland will be reunited with Andrew Bracey - who led the £217m acquisition of Dobbies from Tesco, last month - having known each other at Somerfield.

John Cleland described Dobbies as “one of the great heritage brands in British retail”.

He added: “We hope to build on that and create a stronger, market leading company. I am very much looking forward to working with new colleagues to grow the business together in the future.” 

Source : Insight DIY