Clinton Cards new chief executive will “help galvanise the business to help it achieve greater profitability”, says the retailer’s group managing director Clinton Lewin.

Darcy Willson-Rymer, who will join as chief executive in October, is currently managing director at Starbucks UK and Ireland. It is the first time in the retailer’s 43 years’ history that someone outside the Lewin family has been hired to run the business.

Lewin, who will remain in his position and focus on property and the supply chain, insisted his position has not been scaled back.

“Darcy knows coffee and I know cards, we’ll be working together to get the best out of the business,” he said. “Darcy’s wealth of experience in management will drive the business forward.”

Retail Week revealed last month that Clinton Cards was searching outside the family for a new boss.

Lewin said: “Retail is going through quite a bit of change. We felt we needed change from within our business.”

Founder and former chairman and chief executive Don Lewin became non-executive chairman this week ahead of becoming life president in March.

Willson-Rymer, who worked at Unilever Ventures and KFC-owner Yum! Brands, said he is “excited to take the business forward”.

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