Peter Macnab is appointed as Managing Director of AS Watson Health & Beauty UK
(UK, 20 May 2014) AS Watson Group (ASW) today announces management change in its UK Superdrug and Savers operations, with the appointment of Peter Macnab as Managing Director of AS Watson Health & Beauty UK, replacing Joey Wat who has decided to leave the company for family reasons later this year.
Dominic Lai, ASW Group Managing Director said, "Joey has worked with AS Watson since 2004 and was promoted to the current position in 2012. Under her leadership, the UK operation has made significant progress in establishing clear strategic direction as well as delivering financial goals. We are disappointed to be losing Joey but we respect her personal decision to return to her native China with her family.
"I am pleased to announce Peter Macnab as the successor. Peter was part of the original Savers management team when it was acquired by ASW in 2000. After a short absence, he rejoined Savers as Commercial Director in 2007 and subsequently promoted to Managing Director of Savers in 2011. During the past six years, he has reshaped the customer proposition and commercial offer which contributed to the successful turnaround of Savers’ financial performance. The business has also recently been voted the Best Personal Care Retailer in the UK in 2014*."
“We are in a very promising period of growth momentum for both Superdrug and Savers," continues Mr Lai. "Superdrug delivered positive sales growth in 2013 and year-to-date its sales is growing at +3.9%, while Savers is at +14%. Such results can only be achieved through a strong team in the business. Peter will lead the team to continue to execute the company strategy to further re-engineer the profitability of the total portfolio through store segmentation, stronger customer relationship management (CRM), better customer service as well as providing a better complementary ecommerce shopping experience.”
The company also announces the promotion of Doug Winchester to the position of Managing Director Savers reporting to Peter. Doug is currently the Operations Director of Superdrug, and formerly Operations Director of Savers.
Both appointments will take immediate effect.
Mr Lai added, “I am pleased that our UK operation has strong succession and we are able to announce two internal promotions. In the coming months, Joey will complete a full handover of the business to Peter to ensure a seamless transition and continuity in both businesses.”
*Best Personal Care Retailer in the UK in the Verdict Customer Satisfaction Awards 2014
