Focus DIY names brand director

Focus DIY has appointed former Wickes managing director Richard Bird to its group board as brand director. He will take over the newly created role next week.

Bird will be responsible for the marketing, trading, store development, facilities and property service teams. He will report to Focus chief executive Bill Grimsey.

Bird was managing director of Wickes between 2000 and 2006, where he played a significant role in developing the brand.

Focus acquired Wickes and its 131 stores in 2000 before selling it to Travis Perkins in 2005. Last month Cerberus European Investments acquired Focus and its 257 stores.

Grimsey says: “We have already started to see a change in the business performance and Richard’s considerable experience in developing new formats through comprehensive research and testing programmes will ensure that we will develop a new customer proposition that will differentiate Focus in the market.”

The company was founded in 1987 and has grown to be one of the largest DIY retailers in the UK.