​Iceland MD Richard Walker takes over as executive chair

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Iceland managing director Richard Walker has been named as the new executive chair of the retailer, taking over from his father Sir Malcolm Walker.

Richard Walker Headshots 8

Richard Walker has been named executive chair of Iceland

The role had been held by Malcolm Walker since founding the grocery chain in 1970. He will remain on the board as a founder, the company confirmed.

Richard Walker will also take over as the chair of the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, The Grocer first reported.

“Richard is really looking forward to presiding over the executive board while continuing to fulfil his direct responsibilities for Iceland,” an Iceland spokeswoman said.

Richard Walker tweeted: “Hugely honoured to take up my new job as executive chairman of Iceland – a position my dad has filled with total passion and dedication since 1970. Delighted he remains fully committed to bringing us ideas and telling us how it should be done in his continuing role as founder.”

He joined Iceland in 2012, spending a year as a shelf-stacker and cashier in London before becoming a store manager and moving to head office the following year. He took up his role as managing director in 2018.

Since then, Richard Walker has emerged as one of retail’s most outspoken leaders on politics and social and economic issues. In October 2022, he launched a bid to stand for parliament in the next general elections and was named on the Conservative Party’s list of approved candidates.