The Entertainer appoints new COO
Robinson will join the business in March, from his current role as managing director of Wincanton TechCo
Teal Group, the parent company of the UK’s leading toy retailer, The Entertainer, has announced the appointment of former John Lewis Partnership group supply chain director, Mark Robinson, as its new chief operating officer.
He will join the business in March, from his current role as managing director of Wincanton TechCo.
Robinson will take over the responsibilities for Supply Chain, IT and Transformation currently held by deputy chief executive, Jeremy Cobbold, who has decided to pursue new career challenges later this year.
Cobbold will continue in his current role until the early summer, ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities while leading delivery of a number of strategic priorities.
Andrew Murphy OBE, group chief executive officer at Teal Group Holdings, said: “Mark is a hugely accomplished supply chain professional who also brings significant experience of leading technology focussed teams and large, complex projects. I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure him as part of the top-team leading the business through this exciting period of growth.
“I’d like to personally thank Jeremy for his huge contribution to the business throughout the last five years, in which time he has been pivotal to navigating The Entertainer’s course through the pandemic and its evolution from high street toy shop to a multi-faceted, international toy business. Jeremy is an outstanding leader and has been a fabulous colleague to all of us at The Entertainer and Teal Group. He’ll be very much missed by the Grant family, his Board colleagues and his team alike and leaves with our very best wishes as he seeks his next challenge.”
Robinson added: “I’ve admired Teal, both as a customer and a retailer, for many years and I’m hugely excited to be joining the team in a few weeks time to help deliver the next phase of growth.”
Cobbold concluded: “It’s been a privilege to work with the fantastic team at The Entertainer and to be able to play a part in the continued development of this remarkable business over the last five years. My personal thanks to the Grant family for affording the opportunity, Andrew Murphy for his leadership over the last 15 months and my team and colleagues around the business for their tireless commitment. I wish them all the best as the business continues its exciting journey.”
