Board shuffle for Somerfield
John von Spreckelsen handing over chief executive role
Somerfield is revamping its board from September, as executive chairman John von Spreckelsen focuses on the chairman’s role.
Steve Back, currently group finance director will move into the group chief executive role, taking on responsibilities currently taken by von Spreckelsen.
Back will be succeeded as group finance director by David Cheyne, who joined Somerfield in November 2003 and is currently head of the convenience business, as well as managing director of Aberness, the Scottish c-store operator acquired by Somerfield earlier this year.
Katie Bickerstaffe, currently head of the Somerfield business, will join the board as director of Somerfield stores and retail services.
Former Littlewoods chief executive Barry Gibson has been appointed a non-executive director of Somerfield, while HMV chief executuve Alan Giles is retiring as a non executive director of the supermarket group in September.
Von Spreckelsen said: “I am delighted to announce Steve Back’s appointment as the company’s new chief executive. His track record as group finance director and his extensive
retail experience ideally equip him to implement the next phases of our recovery programme. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role.
“David Cheyne’s understanding of the retail sector, coupled with his financial background, makes him highly qualified to succeed Steve Back as group finance director. I am also delighted to welcome to the Board Katie Bickerstaffe and Barry Gibson. Their experience and expertise will be a substantial asset for Somerfield in the future.
“I would further like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Giles for his immense contribution to Somerfield. Alan’s expertise and commitment to the Company over the past ten years have been invaluable. We wish him all the best.”
