Magnet magnate to lead Wyevale Way
Wyevale Garden Centres has appointed Gary Favell as interim chief operating officer. He will take up the position with immediate effect and is responsible for the operation of the retailer's 114 stores.

Favell will also be charged with implementing the retailer's new business strategy, outlined in July. Wyevale also announced the sale of 2.5 acres (1 ha) of land at its Northampton garden centre, worth£1.9 million.

Wyevale chairman David Williams said: 'Gary Favell is an excellent retailer and an established leader. He has the experience to make the improvements that we have identified as being necessary in our store operations, while implementing the Wyevale Way. In addition, the property sale will allow us to divest of an under-utilised piece of land and invest the cash received back into the business.'

Favell was previously chief executive officer of Magnet and also worked at floorings retailer Harris Queensway.

Williams is under attack from major shareholder Laxey Partners, which is trying to replace him with former property developer Robert Ware. The retailer's shareholders will meet on September 12 to vote on the issue.

Topics