Bestway Retail parts ways with chief retail officer

Paul Adams will continue to head up Best-one, and Mark Simmonds – who has been at Bestway Retail since 2018 – will focus on the franchise estate. Both will report into Bestway Wholesale managing director Dawood Pervez.

Bestway says it is in the process of recruiting a head of stores with retail expertise to run the company operated estate and support the continued development of the overall retail offer.

Bestway said that since Cresswell joined the group early in 2019, he has taken the retail estate forward and led the franchise stores within the Bestway Wholesale businesses successfully through a period of significant growth, supporting retailers to grow their business.

Cresswell said: “After two years, I’m pleased to leave Bestway Retail in a strong position and well equipped to face the challenges ahead. I will leave behind an influential organisation that supports smaller retailers to grow. Bestway is valued, trusted and relied upon by suppliers and retailers alike, and I’m sure the organisation will continue to flourish in the years ahead. I wish the management team and all staff the very best for the future.”

Pervez added: “The Bestway Group board is immensely grateful to Andy for the stability and vision he has brought over the last two years. Much has changed at Bestway Retail under his tenure-ship and Andy has been a valued member of our leadership team and pivotal in driving our retail strategy over this period. We would like to extend our thanks to him for the significant developments which have taken place under his leadership and take this opportunity to wish him well for the future.”

Last week Bestway Retail – which includes Bargain Booze, Wine Rack, Select Convenience, and Central Convenience –instructed specialist business property adviser Christie & Co to sell 37 of its UK stores.