Card Factory appoints Costcutter supremo as its new CEO

He will join the Wakefield-based firm from Costcutter Supermarkets, where he has served as CEO for the last eight years. Prior to this, he was CEO of Clinton Cards from 2011 to 2012.

During his time at Costcutter, Mr Willson-Rymer steered a nationwide, multi-site owned and franchised convenience retail business through a period of significant change.

This included the development of a new operating model and the introduction of a data and insights led business growth programme that produced a 20 per cent sales uplift. This led the brand transformation of Costcutter.

Before joining Clinton Cards, Mr Willson-Rymer held a range of roles in international branded businesses, including managing director (UK & Ireland) of Starbucks Coffee Company.

He also had senior roles at Yum Restaurants International, including operations director of KFC Great Britain and director of operations and franchise, Europe, KFC and Pizza Hut.

He will join Card Factory on March 8, following the expiry of his notice period.

Paul Moody's appointment as executive chairman will end when Mr Willson-Rymer joins the business, at which time mr Moody will revert to his role as non-executive chairman.

Mr Moody said: "I am delighted to announce that Darcy is joining Card Factory as our CEO.

"Darcy has excellent credentials and experience to lead Card Factory through the next phase of our evolution and to continue to lead the implementation of the refreshed strategy.

"He has experienced successfully leading a complex, multi-site retail business in Costcutter, held senior positions in two customer service-centred global branded businesses in Starbucks and Yum, in particular, where he led a business with an operating model encompassing both owned and franchised units. Darcy brings highly relevant knowledge and experience that will hugely benefit Card Factory."

Mr Willson-Rymer added: "As a long standing admirer of Card Factory, I am thrilled to be able to lead the business through the next phase of its growth journey.

"Working with the team at Card Factory, my ambition is to unlock the true potential of the business by delivering its transformation strategy in the UK and internationally."