Online retailer Very Group’s chief finance and transformation officer is to step down and run as a mayoral candidate.
Ben Fletcher has been selected to run for the Conservatives as mayor of Cheshire and Warrington. He will be succeeded at Very on an interim basis by Ed Fry, who has spent five years at the business in a variety of finance roles.
Fletcher said his decision was inspired by other Tory mayors, including former John Lewis department stores boss Andy Street who was mayor of the West Midlands.
Fletcher posted on LinkedIn: “I believe a mayoralty is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference to the place I call home, and I look forward to making a positive case over the coming months.”
Fletcher, who has been at Very for almost six years and previously worked for retailers including Boots and Clarks, said: “Encompassing a pandemic, Brexit, cost of living crisis, and the occasional refinancing, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience, but it’s now the right time for me to seek a new challenge.”
Very chief executive Robbie Feather said: “I would like to thank Ben for everything he has contributed to the business and wish him the best of luck for the future. From navigating the pandemic and Brexit, to being a passionate advocate of our charity partnerships, Ben has played an integral role in supporting us in our mission to help families get more out of life.”
Separately, it is thought that investment giant Carlyle, the biggest lender to Very’s parent company, could take control of the retailer as early as next month.
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