Thresher Group has hired Superdrug marketer Vibha Hardaker as group marketing director.

Hardaker is charged with supporting the growth of Thresher Group's brands – Threshers, Wine Rack and The Local – and will report to trading director Lloyd Stephens.

Thresher boss Yvonne Rankin stated earlier this month (March 13, 2008) that she wants to double the group's profit in the next four years, following a 100-day strategic review that she initiated after her appointment as chief executive in September.

Thresher will trim its store numbers down from about 2,000 stores to 1,500, as well as converting 190 of its Threshers stores to the more upscale Wine Rack format. The refurbishment of the Wine Rack estate is a priority for the group.

Thresher supremo vows to double store profits