Dave Warren of Unitas to retire at the end of April

Dave Warren, trading controller of Unitas Wholesale, is retiring on 29 April after nearly 45 years of working in the wholesale industry.

Warren (pictured) started his career with Nurdin & Peacock in 1978, working on the shopfloor and progressing through the business to become a general manager. He spent 18 years with the cash & carry operator and then moved to Batleys’ head office as a buyer, covering a range of categories including grocery, catering, and fresh fruit & veg.

After seven years with Batleys, he joined Today’s as head of its on-trade division, a role he held for more than 15 years. A brief stint as a category manager with Bestway followed, before Warren returned to the Today’s business – now Unitas Wholesale – as trading controller responsible for non-foods, some key grocery products and tobacco.

Announcing his decision to retire, the industry stalwart said: “I have made friends – too many to count – along the way, working with some fantastic people, who I would like to thank for their help and support.

“It is not my plan to go looking for work, but if there is anyone who thinks that I may be able to help, and my experience may be useful please drop me a private message.

“Remember life is too short, it’s never too early to retire!”