The Board of Smiths City Group announced late last year that our Managing Director for the last 15 years – Rick Hellings – was stepping down and as a result a search process had commenced.We are pleased to announce the appointment of Roy Campbell as Chief Executive Officer. Roy will start on 1st May 2015.Commenting on the appointment, Chairman Craig Boyce said “We are very pleased to have a Chief Executive of Roy’s calibre appointed to Smiths City Group. The Board see Roy’s expertise best summed into three key areas – 30 years of experience and passion for retail, both in New Zealand and internationally; a highly successful and transformative leader of business and people capability; and a committed focus on results.Roy’s multi-site retail career foundations were formed in New Zealand via Mobil Oil in the mid 80s; and Lion and DEKA into the 90s. A stint in the United Kingdom in the late 90s consulting in M&A then saw him return to New Zealand in 2000 to successfully lead Fast Moving Consumer Goods businesses requiring significant change. Keen for further challenge Roy headed offshore in 2007 where, in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, he again continued to use his background in FMCG and business turnaround with success.Roy, along with his wife and two children, will be based in Christchurch.In welcoming Roy we also wish to acknowledge the successful leadership of Smiths City through many periods of disruption and intense competition by Rick Hellings, our outgoing Managing Director. Rick has been with us for 30 years, half that time as Managing Director. Rick will continue to work with the Board and Roy to ensure a good transition.”CRAIG BOYCECHAIRMAN
