• Robinson will lead Conviviality Retail, its franchise store business
  • The appointment follows Conviviality’s recent acquisition of wholesaler Matthew Clark
  • Robinson was on the executive board of Argos and helped architect its transformation plan

 

Bargain Booze owner Conviviality has poached Argos chief operating officer David Robinson to be its new managing director.

Robinson will lead Conviviality Retail, the business unit focused on its franchise store operations. His appointment follows its recent acquisition of Matthew Clark, which wholesales and distributes alcohol to the trade market.

Robinson was on Argos owner Home Retail Group’s executive board and helped develop its transformation plan.

Prior to this he held commercial director roles at Argos and Homebase. He has also held senior roles at Dixons.

Conviviality chief executive Diana Hunter said: “David brings a significant track record of delivering results and has a wealth of experience in the retail industry.  David is ideally placed to continue to develop and grow the retail business with our franchise partners.”

Robinson said: “I am delighted to be joining Conviviality Retail and to have the opportunity of working in this business at such an exciting time. I am looking forward to working with the Conviviality team and the franchisees to develop further opportunities and continue to drive growth in the business.

”I am also excited to explore how the recently acquired Matthew Clark business can help us accelerate these aims as more and more synergies are realised.”

Conviviality has also hired a new commercial finance director for the retail business. Mark Simmonds will joins from pub and restaurant group Mitchells & Butlers.