Card Factory appoints new CEO

Card Factory has announced the appointment of Darcy Willson-Rymer as CEO, which will come into effect on 8 March 2021.

Willson-Rymer will join the company from Costcutter Supermarkets, where he has served as CEO for the last eight years.

During his time at Costcutter, Willson-Rymer steered the multi-site owned and franchised convenience retail business through a period of significant change.

This included the development of a new operating model, as well as a business growth programme that led to a 20% sales uplift, as well as the brand transformation of Costcutter.

Prior to his time at Costcutter, Willson-Rymer held a range of roles in international branded businesses, including managing director (UK and Ireland) of Starbucks Coffee Company. He also held senior roles at Yum Restaurants International, including operations director of KFC Great Britain, and director of operations and franchise, Europe, KFC and Pizza Hut.

Willson-Rymer said: “As a long-standing admirer of Card Factory, I am thrilled to be able to lead the business through the next phase of its growth journey. Working with the team at Card Factory, my ambition is to unlock the true potential of the business by delivering its transformation strategy in the UK and internationally.”

Paul Moody, executive chairman for Card Factory, said: “I am delighted to announce that Darcy is joining Card Factory as our CEO.

“Darcy has excellent credentials and experience to lead Card Factory through the next phase of our evolution and to continue to lead the implementation of the refreshed strategy.”

He added: “He has experienced successfully leading a complex, multi-site retail business in Costcutter, held senior positions in two customer service-centred global branded businesses in Starbucks and Yum, in particular, where he led a business with an operating model encompassing both owned and franchised units.

“Darcy brings highly relevant knowledge and experience that will hugely benefit Card Factory.”