Matt Teague promoted to MD of Blakemore Retail and BTP

AF Blakemore has promoted Matt Teague to managing director, retail, to lead both Blakemore Retail and Blakemore Trade Partners (BTP).

Teague (pictured) was previously MD of Blakemore Retail only, while former AF Blakemore CEO Jerry Marwood had group responsibilities (including BTP) until he retired in May this year.

The changes are designed to consolidate retail knowledge across the company’s SPAR portfolio and to foster collaboration both within the organisation and with external partners.

Blakemore Retail consists of 262 company-owned SPAR stores, while BTP serves 690 independently-owned SPAR stores.

AF Blakemore CEO Carol Welch said: “It is recognised that through greater collaboration, the skills, talent and the sharing of knowledge and experience across company-owned and independent SPAR stores, we can accelerate our company-owned and independent retailer growth.

“Matt and his team will be accountable for driving growth in fresh food to go and food for later, acquiring, partnering, extending and refurbishing stores to improve our retail sales per square foot and delivering excellent operational standards and service for our customers.”

Teague will be supported by store operations director Chris Bacon; Louis Drake, retail sales director (formerly commercial director at BTP); Tom Blakemore, retail development director (formerly commercial director at Blakemore Fresh Foods); and Steve Gale, head of formats excellence.

Welch said: “The last few years have brought their fair share of challenges and opportunities to AF Blakemore. Following a strong financial performance in 22/23 driven by our SPAR retail estate, we are committed to sustaining this growth by meeting customer needs, establishing robust relationships with our valued suppliers and partners.”