One of Hull’s largest and longest standing companies has undergone a change of leadership.
Arco managing director David Evison has retired, with Guy Bruce taking on the role of chief executive of th esafety specialist. He arrives from Equans, the broad technical, facilities management and energy services operator, having previously worked for building materials distributor SIG Plc.
It comes with the award-winning fifth generation family-owned business recently completing its move into a new £16 million headquarters on the Fruit Market. The company was also at the centre of the PPE response to Covid, with its new £30 million Hull-based national distribution centre put to immediate high volume use, despite well-documented clashes with government over procurement.
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Thomas Martin, chairman of the £390 million turnover business, said: “I am pleased to confirm that we have appointed a new chief executive officer, Guy Bruce, to help lead Arco in the next stage of the company’s growth. Guy joined the company on December 1, and the board and I are looking forward to welcoming him into the business. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the industry, with significant achievements in delivering transformative growth across distribution, retail, service and manufacturing businesses, domestically and internationally, within both private and public companies.
“In this new role, Guy will develop Arco’s strategy, accelerating activities which are already delivering growth and driving additional returns on recent significant investments to further enhance customer relationships and experience.”
Mr Evison, a former Sainsbury’s and William Jackson Food Group executive, arrived at Arco in 2014 as finance director, taking the MD role in 2018. He had advised earlier in the year he was to step down, allowing for succession planning. Huge advancements in infrastructure completed, with Mr Evison welcoming Princess Anne to the opening of the distribution centre when Covid measures allowed.
Mr Martin said: “David Evison, our managing director, retired on November 30, and I would like to say how grateful the board, the business and the family are for everything he has done for the business in his eight years here. We wish him a long, healthy, happy and well-earned retirement.”
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