The Garden Centre Group has announced the appointment of Stephen Murphy, former ceo of Virgin Group, as its newest chairman.
Mr Murphy first joined the Virgin Group in 1994 before going on to succeed Sir Richard Branson as group chief executive. He has extensive board experience in both public and private companies and serves on several boards within Virgin Group. He also remains a non-executive partner at the corporate finance advisory firm Ashcombe Advisors.

"The Garden Centre Group is a brilliant business," he said, "I am excited about working with the company and to support its continued growth under Terra Firma's ownership."

Terra Firma bought the GCG, the UK's largest garden centre company, in April this year. The company's chairman and chief investment officer Guy Hands said: "Stephen is an excellent appointment. He is an exceptional leader with enormous experience in retail and across many other sectors.

"I am sure he will add great value to The Garden Centre group and we look forward to working with him."

GCG ceo Nicholas Marshall also voiced his delight at Mr Murphy's appointment. "His wealth of experience makes him ideally positioned to support the group as we continue our exciting journey," he said.