Dobbies boosts senior leadership team
Garden centre operator Dobbies has made three appointments to its senior leadership team as it continues to develop its platform for growth.
In his new role as commercial director, Richard Hodges (pictured) will be responsible for all trading, as well as leading the rollout of the company’s small store format and growth plans for dobbies.com. He was previously head of UK wholesale and international growth at Sainsbury’s and prior to that worked with PwC.
In a second appointment, John Dunning has become Dobbies’ restaurant director following a stint at Bourne Leisure, where he was food and beverage director for Butlins.
In addition, Tim Hollis has been named as head of buying after holding the same position at the Royal Horticultural Society. His new role will see him lead buying across all categories as part of Hodges’ team.
Graeme Jenkins, Dobbies’ chief executive, said: “Richard, John and Tim bring outstanding experience from the retail, hospitality and horticulture worlds. They will be instrumental in helping continue with our growth plan.”
The appointments follow a string of developments this year for Dobbies, including the launch of four Little Dobbies stores and the acquisition of a new garden centre in Boston.
Andrew Bracey, Dobbies’ chairman, said: “As we grow Dobbies organically and by acquisition we are always trying to improve what we offer our customers. By strengthening the team, we will be more able to do this and continue to improve on our outstanding customer experience.”
Photo by Stewart Attwood
