– UK, Norwich – Angling Direct plc (LON: ANG), the leading omnichannel specialist fishing tackle and equipment retailer, today announced the appointment of Chris Keen to its Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective immediately, bringing more than 20 years of experience in various CFOr roles, with a focus on scaling up businesses operating both domestically and internationally and across a variety of sectors including retail and leisure.
“I am delighted to welcome Chris to Angling Direct. His extensive financial and omni-channel leadership experience, particularly in the retail sector, will be invaluable as we strengthen our Board. We look forward to working with Chris as the Group looks to achieve further progress in 2022 and capitalise on the compelling growth opportunities that exist across our end markets.” said Board Chairman, Martyn Page.
Chris will also join the Audit Committee.
About Chris Keen
Chris Keen is currently CFO at McKesson UK, part of McKesson Corporation, a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology, and specialty care and healthcare information solutions. Between 2012 and 2019, Chris was CFO of Holland & Barrett, a leading health and wellness product retailer, where he oversaw several key acquisitions across Europe, driving the group’s international growth strategy and expanding its omnichannel proposition.
Before joining Holland & Barrett, between 2006 and 2012, Chris was CFO at The Laurel Pub Company (latterly the Stonegate Pub Company), helping to build the business into the largest privately held managed pub operator in the UK with over 500 units. In 2012 Chris was appointed CFO of the Bramwell Pub Group to oversee the financial restructuring of the business.
Chris is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Chris Keen said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining the Board of Angling Direct. The Group is on an exciting growth trajectory, having recently opened its European distribution center and I look forward to using my experience to contribute to its continued success.”
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 20,000 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 42 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 March 2022, Angling Direct opened a 3,940 square meter distribution center in Venlo, Netherlands to service its established, and rapidly growing, presence in Europe with native language websites set up in key regions to address demand.
For more information: https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/
- Disclaimer - News, data, and statements included in this release are intended exclusively for general information purposes. Talent4Boards does not guarantee that news is accurate or about the correct person and accepts neither liability for the consequences of the reader’s reliance, nor responsibility for the accuracy of the information. Nothing in this release should be considered for decisions about referred securities. Products and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
