Dobbies bolsters executive team with two new director hires

Dobbies has hired George Hutchinson as retail director and Richard Herbert as restaurant director.

Hutchinson joins from Pets at Home, where he was regional operations director for four years after holding senior positions at top retailers Wickes, B&Q, and Tesco.

Herbert has vast experience in the food and beverage industry, joining from Bourne Leisure where he led its national food and beverage offering for over four years. 

He previously spent 11 years at Pizza Express, with some of those years in the role of central operations and programme director.

These new hires arrive as operations director Nick Anderson steps down from his role following a 12-year stint.

Dobbies chief executive David Robinson said on his departure: “We’d like to thank Nick for his tireless hard work and commitment over the last 12 years. He’s a hugely respected figure in the team, and he’s seen Dobbies through many challenges and successes over the years. We wish him all the best for the future.”

The new appointments of Hutchinson and Herbert build on the other senior appointments made by Dobbies in the last 18 months.

Robinson continued: “We’ve been focused on building a really strong senior team and we’re proud to share the news of these recent appointments. Both George and Richard bring fantastic experience that complements the expertise we already have in place. 

“They’ll each have essential roles in driving forward our strategy, building on the strong start we have had this spring so far.”