Westland Horticulture has announced two key appointments across the group in line with its investment and growth strategy for all divisions.

Simon McArdle, Marketing and Category Director, Gardman Crest

Simon has over 20 years’ experience in the garden industry, including four years working within Westland’s Marketing team. Simon will now lead the Garden Crest Marketing and Category team and will be responsible for creating and delivering a consumer-focused growth plan across the portfolio. As well as ensuring the continued successful growth of the leading Kent & Stowe and Flopro brands, Simon will also look to drive sales across the rest of the Gardman brand portfolio.

Mark Sage, Head of Commercial Horticulture – Westland Group

Mark joins Westland from Wyevale Group, where he previously held the position of Head of Trading, responsible for Buying, Visual Merchandising and Supply Chain Management. Prior to this he held positions with the Garden Centre Group and B&Q as a buyer, and also has 13 years’ experience as Operations Director at Carpenters Nursery. Mark will lead the horticultural & commercial direction for Westland and oversee the development of the overall horticultural offer, to include relaunching and repositioning of the retail seed offer and take commercial control of Marshalls’ retail division.

Keith Nicholson, Westland, commented: “We are delighted to announce these new appointments which will enhance our marketing, horticultural expertise and commercial structures, plus strengthen the wider Westland business.

“The newly created role of Marketing and Category Director at Gardman Crest will create a structure which is better aligned with our customer needs and will enable us to increase our focus on our customer and end consumer. Simon McArdle has a wealth of experience in the sector and has a solid understanding of our business, having spent four years driving progress and development

within the Westland marketing team. Simon’s appointment will enable Colin Smart, Commercial Director at Gardman, to focus his experience on leading our buying, and supply chain teams, to deliver best-in-class availability and quality.

“Mark’s appointment will strengthen and refocus our Horticultural ranging, as part of our ongoing investment plan within the business. Mark Sage has a proven track record of delivering and leading positive change. His horticultural and commercial acumen is one of the strongest in the sector and we are looking forward to welcoming Mark into the group. Mark’s influence on our ranging, understanding of the retailing environment, product innovation and consumer positioning will guide our re-launch of our retail seed category and re-shape and provide direction in our Marshalls division."