Convenience retailer Nisa has announced that its chief executive, Neil Turton, will leave the organisation in the spring 2015, after 23 years with the business. Turton has accepted a senior position in a non-competing business, but over the coming months the company says he will be integral to recruiting a successor and managing the company’s on-going transformation programme.

Amanda Jones, chief operating officer, has also resigned to take up a senior position elsewhere.

Christopher Baker, chairman of Nisa, said: “It is testament to the success of Nisa in serving the needs of thousands of members and millions of customers that our top talent is the target of other companies. Neil Turton is one of the longest-serving chief executives in grocery retail. He has led Nisa through some seismic changes and the board is hugely grateful for his hard work over 23 years in the business.

“The board has put in place a robust transition strategy and will immediately commence the search for an experienced retailer that will be able to take Nisa to the next stage in its development. Neil will manage the succession strategy and continue to drive our retail focus and consumer centric propositions with the existing management team.

“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the significant contribution that Amanda has made during her short tenure in initiating the transformation of Nisa’s journey from wholesaler to retailer and putting in place a strong executive team for the future.”

The company is currently relaunching over 1,300 lines in its own-label Heritage range. It has also launched new store formats and re-engineered its distribution service to achieve an ‘on time’ rate of 96% and availability levels of 98%.

The mutual organisation supports 2,500 independent stores nationwide and has seen membership grow by over 700 stores in the last 12 months.

Turton said: “After 23 years with Nisa, I’m leaving a business that has just enjoyed an excellent trading year with record volumes and highest ever sales. The company, now more than ever, is retail focused and consumer-centric. I felt it was time for a new challenge and would like to thank all the hard working staff at Nisa for their contribution over the years.”

Turton will set out the organisation’s growth programme to members at its annual conference in Vienna in October, where Justin King is the keynote speaker.

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