Wilko appoints Chris Martin as non-executive director

High-street chain Wilko has announced the appointment of Chris Martin as non-executive director.

Martin is currently the chief executive of Musgrave group. He joined the Musgrave main board in 2003. Under his direction, the business has “focused strongly on partnering with entrepreneurial retailers and innovative food suppliers to develop the retail, wholesale, and foodservice business”. 

Musgrave now operates 11 market leading brands across the island of Ireland and Spain.

Prior to joining Musgrave, Martin had developed a “strong and lengthy career in retail and leisure.” He held the role of CEO of Mothercare plc as well as group finance director of Storehouse and various roles in Asda and Pizza Hut.

Commenting on his appointment, Martin said he was “delighted” to be joining Wilko as a non-executive director and chair of the audit and risk committee.

He said: “Wilko is a much-loved brand with strong family values and I’m looking forward to working with Lisa (Wilkinson) and the team to help ensure the business is well positioned to accomplish its mission to free up hard-working families to be the best they can be.”

Family director and chair of WHSL, Lisa Wilkinson added: “We’re proud we’re a family owned group and the refreshingly different way this enables us to do business. 

“Chris’ significant commercial expertise and first-hand experience at the helm of a highly successful sixth generation family business will help us to stay true to our roots while we continue on our transformational journey to become a product-led business.”

Chris Martin will join Wilko in January 2020.