The Very Group appoints Nadhim Zahawi as non-exec chair

The Very Group, which operates digital retailers Very and Littlewoods, has appointed former senior government minister and MP for Stratford-on-Avon Nadhim Zahawi as non-executive chair and board member. Zahawi, who recently announced he will stand down as an MP at the next general election, will replace current non-executive chair Aidan Barclay, who took the role as a representative of the Barclay family on an interim basis in February 2024 following the stepping down of Dirk Van den Berghe at the end of his contract term. Zahawi will work closely with the current directors and management team to achieve continued sales and profit growth, as well as exploring expansion of the business in new areas. In addition, he will work with the shareholders on the strategic options for the business and the optimal capital structure to achieve its growth ambitions. This may involve fresh equity investment in the short to medium term. Barclay said: “I am delighted to welcome Nadhim to the board of The Very Group. With a proven track record in digital growth and innovation, and highly respected in the UK and global markets, he is ideally suited to lead our board as the company enters its next stage of strategic development and growth.” Zahawi, who is a patron of economic think tank the Adam Smith Institute, became the Conservative MP for Stratford-on-Avon in 2010. He has served in some of the most senior and high-profile ministerial roles in government, including as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Education. Prior to his political career, he co-founded and was CEO of pioneering digital polling and market research specialist YouGov, which capitalised on advances in data analytics and the internet to develop its online-based survey methodology. Regarding his appointment, Zahawi said: “I am honoured to be asked to join the board and become chair of The Very Group. As one of the UK’s largest digital retailers and flexible payments providers, the company has an important role to play in helping families get more out of life. With a heritage of over 100 years, Very has an unrivalled knowledge and understanding of its customer, demonstrating resilience even in the face of challenging conditions. “I would like to thank both Aidan and Dirk for their stewardship of the business during their tenures as chair. I am excited about the strategic opportunities for the group and look forward to working alongside the management team as they further develop and grow the business for the future.”