EG Group appoints Roland Smith as chairman

Roland Smith has been appointed chairman of EG Group, succeeding Lord Stuart Rose who will remain on the board as a non-executive director from 20 January 2026.

Smith previously served as chairman and chief executive of Office Depot OfficeMax. He has held senior executive roles at Wendy’s International, Arby’s Restaurant Group, and American Golf Corporation.

The appointment comes as the company continues its strategy to deleverage its balance sheet and focus on core markets. This follows the sale of EG UK to Asda and the recent disposal of its Italian business.

Rose served a five-year term as chairman, overseeing the update of the group’s corporate governance framework. He also managed the appointment of several independent non-executive directors to the board.

Smith is currently the chairman of Jack’s Family Restaurants and a director of Tropical Smoothie Café. He has over 25 years of experience as a senior executive within the consumer industry.

Chief executive Russ Colaco said: “Roland is a highly respected and experienced executive with deep consumer industry and boardroom experience. Attracting an industry leader of Roland’s calibre and expertise will strengthen our Board as we execute on our growth strategy across convenience retail, foodservice and fuel offerings.

“I would like to thank Stuart for his significant contribution to EG Group over his five-year term as chairman, including putting in place the governance structures and strategic foundations for future success. We have all benefited from Stuart’s wisdom and counsel and look forward to that continuing in the future.”

Smith said: “EG Group is an outstanding business with promising growth prospects, and I am delighted to join its board as chairman. I look forward to working with the board, Russ and the wider management team on the company’s strategic vision and to further develop EG Group’s leading positions in its core markets in the United States and Europe.”