Pepco Group appoints Stephan Borchert as chief executive
Pepco Group, the parent company of Poundland, has appointed Stephan Borchert as its new chief executive following an extensive global search process.
He will take up his new role on 1 July when he will commence with a three-month induction period to enable him to get to know the group’s operations and culture.
Meanwhile, former chief executive Andy Bond will remain in his role as executive chair during this time, but will become non-executive chair on 1 October.
Bond said: “On behalf of the board, it is great to welcome Stephan, who brings a wealth of experience and a results-driven track record in retail and international business operations. I look forward to working with Stephan to deliver our renewed strategy to improve profitability and cash generation in our core established business, while delivering more measured profitable growth.”
Borchert has led several international companies across various sectors including fashion, beauty, pharmacy and healthcare services. Pepco Group said his extensive experience in leading complex, multi-brand retail businesses globally and in EMEA made him the stand-out candidate for the role.
He was chief executive of Vision Express owner Grand Vision for four years until the group was acquired by Essilor Luxottica in July 2022. Prior to that, he was president of Sephora EMEA and also worked with Douglas Parfümerie International.
He currently holds non-executive director roles at two major pan-European retail companies in the beauty and apparel sectors.
Borchert said: “Pepco Group is a powerhouse retail business with a strong reputation for delivering incredible range, value and convenience for customers.
“I am delighted to work alongside the leadership team to deliver on the group’s strategic priorities as Pepco Group enters the next phase of its growth journey.”
Today, Pepco Group said its trading environment remains challenging as it announced its first-half results.
