Simon Burke, executive chairman of Irish grocer Superquinn, is to become chairman of private equity-backed HobbyCraft in December.
Burke will help steer HobbyCraft’s growth plans following its acquisition in April this year by Bridgepoint in a deal valued at just over £100m.
Burke brings experience from a variety of specialist retailers including Hamleys, which he sold in 2003 for £59m, and Majestic Wine, as well as Virgin’s retail division.
HobbyCraft has 50 stores at present and there are ambitious expansion plans for the next five years as the retailer bids for a greater share of the £2bn UK arts and crafts market.
Burke said he was delighted to be joining HobbyCraft. “It’s a great business,” he said. “It’s a real specialist which is something I’ve always enjoyed in the past.”
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