DIYWEEK.net

Nicholas Marshall, owner of Country Homes & Gardens, takes on chief executive post to drive next phase of development and expansion.
Wyevale Garden Centres has announced the appointment of Nicholas Marshall as chief executive officer with immediate effect.

He replaces Jim Hodkinson who was chairman. Sir Tom Hunter will assume the chairman's post following the departure.

Wyevale's owners West Coast Capital (WCC) said Jim Hodkinson left 'to pursue a variety of other business opportunities' while thanking him for his contribution to the garden centre chain.

“Jim steered the business through its initial restructuring and we thank him for his commitment to that process and wish him well in the future,” added a spokesperson from WCC.

Mr Hodkinson said: "While I am naturally sorry to be leaving Wyevale before the task is fully completed, I am proud of what we have achieved throughout an exciting period of major change."

Mr Marshall – a well known figure in the garden centre trade – is familiar with the Wyevale operation, having sold his Country Gardens to Wyevale in 2000.

He successfully took the 38-strong chain from incorporation to a £120m quoted company and a major industry brand in ten years.

After the sale he founded Country Homes and Gardens plc, which he will continue to run, said WCC, which led the acquisition of Wyevale in 2006.

A spokesman for WCC said of Mr Marshall: "We believe that Nicholas's leadership, experience and market knowledge, in conjunction with Wyevale's current management team led by Andrew Livingstone (COO) makes for a formidable combination in steering Wyevale forward at renewed pace and with a new sense of purpose."

Mr Marshall is believed to favour garden centres focusing on gardening rather than non-horticultural lines.