Conviviality md joins board

Conviviality has appointed new md David Robinson, who joined the company from Home Retail Group last month, to the board of directors.

Robinson was previously COO at Argos having joined the home as Commercial Director in 2011. He joined the catalogue retail group in 2003, after starting his career at Dixons, and later Homebase.

Conviviality’s chairman David Adams welcomed him to the board. “During his time with Argos, David was instrumental in the implementation of its strategic, operational and financial transformational plan and we look forward to benefiting from his significant retail experience,” he said.

Robinson heads up the team focusing on developing the company’s franchise stores business.

At his appointment, CEO Diana Hunter said he had a significant track record of delivering results as well as a wealth of experience in the retail industry which made him ideally placed to develop and grow Conviviality’s retail business with its franchisees.

In May, the company hailed a “transformational” year, in which sales rose 137% in the 53 weeks to 1 May 2016. Sales rose to £864m from £364m over the period, partly as a result of strong trading across its retail business, and the acquisition of Matthew Clarke in October. However the results didn’t take into account the company’s acquisition of the Bibendum PLB Group for £60m in May, which was one of the largest deals in the drinks industry.