Notcutts is making two important changes to its Executive Leadership Team with the upcoming retirement of Graham Walker, Trading and Operations Director. These new appointments are being made from within Notcutts’ current organisation and they highlight the success of the company’s talent development and succession planning programme.
Yvonne Archibald – Trading Director
Yvonne Archibald will take up her new role on the 1st November as Trading Director. Yvonne curently holds the position of Category Head for Notcutts home and gifting department. With this appointment Yvonne will also step up to join the company’s Executive Leadership Team.
A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Yvonne commenced her career with the fashion retailer White Stuff as a member of their merchandising team before joining Notcutts in 2015. At Notcutts, Yvonne has overseen the transformation of the home and gift category and recently completed the Alitus Executive Programme for senior leaders in Suffolk.
Commenting on her appointment, Yvonne said: “I’m thrilled to take up this new role leading the retail strategy for Notcutts and look forward to working more closely with our talented team of experts, to contribute to a business that is deeply passionate about delivering innovative products at the right price to our customers.”
Chris Holt – Operations & Sustainability Director
Also taking up his new position as Operations & Sustainability Director and joining the company’s Executive Leadership Team on the 1st November is Chris Holt. Chris is currently Cluster Manager and General Manager of Notcutts St Albans Garden Centre.
After graduating from the University of London where he studied Environmental Science, Chris started his career in retail management at Woolworths and then BHS before joining Notcutts as General Manager at their St Albans Garden Centre in 2016. Having overseen the complete refurbishment of the garden centre, Chris was promoted to Cluster Manager in 2020, subsequently leading two different garden centre cluster groups. A successful alumnus of the Alitus Executive Leadership Programme, Chris is also a member of the Notcutts Health & Safety Council.
Commenting on his appointment, Chris said: “Notcutts is leading the way in the industry with its commitment to putting biodiversity, sustainability and the environment at the heart of its business. I am excited both to build on this legacy and also to drive forward our operational processes, to support our growth strategy and to provide the best possible experience for our customers.”
Retirement of Graham Walker
After more than 14 years at Notcutts, Graham Walker, Trading and Operations Director will be leaving the company at the end of 2024.
Nick Burrows, Notcutts’ CEO, said: “Graham has been hugely instrumental in the success of Notcutts. From planning and redeveloping many of our garden centres, transforming our distribution operations and to leading and aligning operations and buying and merchandising teams in pursuit of the company’s business goals.
“Graham’s impact on this business has been outstanding and we will miss him greatly. I would like to thank Graham for his vision, commitment, professionalism and leadership. Amongst his many achievements at Notcutts, he has been pivotal in the development of the teams he leads. A true testimony to Graham is the fact that two of his own team, Yvonne and Chris, have now come forward to take over his areas of responsibility.
“I am proud and delighted to have been able to make these homegrown internal appointments. Development of our colleagues both personally and professionally is at the forefront of our company culture. Yvonne and Chris not only bring invaluable expertise but a passion and determination to innovate and drive Notcutts forward into the next era. I congratulate them both on their success and wish Graham all the very best in his retirement.”
For more information visit www.notcutts.co.uk
