– UK, Norwich – Angling Direct plc (LON: ANG), the leading omnichannel specialist fishing tackle and equipment retailer, today announced the appointment of current CFO, Steve Crowe as CEO-designate, to succeed Andy Torrance who will step down as CEO to be appointed as Non-executive Chairman, replacing Martyn Page who will step down as Board Chairman but will remain as a Non-executive Director.
About Andy Torrance
Andy Torrance joined Angling Direct as a Non-executive Director in 2019 before stepping into the CEO role in February 2020. Andy successfully navigated the Company through Covid-19 and the various lockdown and trading restrictions imposed, minimizing the impact of an extensive cyber-attack in 2021 while also developing the Group’s growth strategy which included delivering the new European distribution center to mitigate Brexit disruption and growing market share. Andy’s new Chair role will ensure that the business retains his specialist omnichannel retail skills while also benefitting from the stakeholder relationships he has built across the customer and supplier base since joining the Group.
Andy Torrance commented: “Angling Direct is a great business with great potential and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as CEO. Having navigated several challenges since taking on the role at the outset of the pandemic in 2020, I feel that now is the right time to hand over the reins to Steve. Having worked closely with Steve since joining, I know that his in-depth knowledge of the business, combined with his financial rigor and passion for angling, will ensure Angling Direct continues to thrive and I look forward to working with him and the wider Board in my new Chairman role.”
About Steve Crowe
Steve Crowe joined the business as CFO in 2020 having held executive finance roles at Aviva and Validus Ltd. Upon joining the Company, Steve was instrumental in professionalizing the finance function, improving internal reporting processes, and instilling financial rigor throughout the business. More recently, Steve has worked closely with Andy to develop the Group’s growth strategy both in the UK and Europe and he is well placed to manage the ongoing delivery of Angling Direct’s strategic objectives.
Steve Crowe said: “I am delighted to take on the role of CEO of Angling Direct at this exciting time in the Company’s journey. The strategy that Andy and I have put in place is the right one and having Andy and Martyn remain on the Board will be invaluable as we execute against our stated objectives.”
About Angling Direct
Angling Direct is the leading omnichannel specialist fishing tackle retailer in the UK. The Company sells fishing tackle products and related equipment through its network of retail stores, located strategically throughout the UK as well as through its leading digital platform and other third-party websites.
Angling Direct is committed to supporting its active customer base and widening access to the angling community through its passionate colleagues, store-based qualified coaches, social media reach, and ADTV YouTube channel. The Company currently sells over 25,000 fishing tackle products, including capital items, consumables, luggage, and clothing. Angling Direct also owns and sells fishing tackle products under its own brand ‘Advanta’, which was formally launched in March 2016.
From 1986 to 2002, the Company’s founders acquired interests in several small independent fishing tackle shops in Norfolk, and, in 2002, they acquired a significant premise in Norwich, which was branded Angling Direct. Since 2002, the Company has continued to acquire or open new stores, taking the total number up to 46 retail stores. In 2015, the Company opened a 2,800 sq. meters central distribution center in Rackheath, Norfolk, where the Company’s head office is also located. In January 2022 Angling Direct acquired an additional 3,900 sq. meters distribution center in Venlo, Netherlands to service its established, and rapidly growing, presence in Europe with native language websites set up in critical regions to address demand.
For more information: https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/
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