Wyevale Garden Centres appoints finance chief as new boss makes mark

Jones replaces Nils Steinmeyer, who is stepping down as chief financial officer after nearly four years with the retailer. 

Steinmeyer will remain at the business until July to ensure a smooth handover, Wyevale said.

Jones’ appointment comes just weeks after former Toys R Us UK boss Roger McLaughlan took the reins at the garden retailer.

Jones formerly served as group finance director at consumer goods rental group Thorn, which was sold by Wyevale Garden Centres private equity owner Terra Firma back in 2007.

He went on to join Waterford Wedgwood in late 2007 and by March 2009 became executive vice-president and chief financial officer at WWRD, which was formed to acquire certain businesses and assets of Waterford Wedgwood after it fell into receivership.

Wyevale chief executive McLaughlan said: “Anthony has over 20 years of experience within a range of retail and consumer environments and he brings a wealth of experience to Wyevale Garden Centres that extends across business transformation, in addition to finance.”

Wyevale, which employs around 6,000 staff, was acquired by Terra Firma for £276m in 2012.

In its last reported full-year, Wyevale profits soared 55% to £34m off the back of a 5% rise in sales to £290.4m.

McLaughlan’s appointment last month came following reports that Wyevale’s owner Terra Firma, whose senior team includes former Sainsbury’s boss Justin King, was mulling a sale of the business.