Klondyke Group Ltd today announces that David Yardley, Chief Executive Officer, will retire from his role at the end of March 2026, concluding a remarkable 44-year career with the company.

David has been instrumental in shaping Klondyke into one of the UK’s leading garden centre groups. His leadership and vision have driven significant growth and innovation across the business, earning him widespread respect within the industry.

While stepping down as CEO, David will remain closely involved with Klondyke’s future as Non-Executive Joint Chairman, alongside Dorothy Gault, ensuring continuity and strategic guidance for the group.

The Board is delighted to confirm that David Abbott will succeed David Yardley as Chief Executive Officer from April 2026. David Abbott joined Klondyke in 1997 following the acquisition of Mayfield Garden Centre in Kelso, where he had worked since leaving school. His deep knowledge of the business and long-standing commitment to the garden centre trade make him ideally suited to lead Klondyke into its next chapter.

Commenting, Co-Chairman, Dorothy Gault says, "Obviously we're very sorry to be losing David Yardley as our Chief Executive Officer and, on behalf of all the family, I'd like to thank him for all that he has done to grow the company over the last 10 years in this role. We're grateful, too, for how well he steered the company through the challenges of the covid years. 

However, I'm delighted that David Abbott is stepping up to take the company forward, he's an intelligent and talented retailer with extensive knowledge of the industry who has proved himself in his role as our Retail Operations Director over many years. We're confident the company will be in a very capable pair of hands and I'm looking forward to working with him more closely in the future."

Founded in the early 1980s by Bob and Dorothy Gault, Klondyke began as a single greenhouse operation in Kirkintilloch and has grown into one of the UK’s largest garden centre groups.

Today, Klondyke operates 22 garden centres across Scotland, Northern England, and Wales, trading under the Klondyke and Strikes brands. The company remains committed to delivering quality, value, and expert advice to gardeners nationwide.

David Yardley commented: "It has been a privilege to lead Klondyke for the past 10 years and to work with such a talented team. I look forward to continuing to support the business in my new role as Joint Chairman."

David Abbott added “I am honoured to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Klondyke Group and to follow in the footsteps of David Yardley, whose leadership has left a strong legacy. Klondyke has an exceptionally loyal and dedicated team, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the business as we build on our strengths and continue to develop the business for long-term success.”