ABOUT US

Yvonne Rankin joined the business as CEO in September 2007. Prior to her appointment at First Quench Retailing, Yvonne was with international retailer A.S. Watson as CEO of the Central and Southern European Division, where she was responsible for their European portfolio of 600 stores and previously led the strategic review and restructuring of the 440 store UK discount retailer, Savers.

Before joining A.S. Watson, Yvonne was CEO of the Co-operative Group’s £1 billion Specialist Retail Businesses, responsible for over 1500 stores.

Martin Healy was formally a Main Board Director of Bourne Leisure Group, holding the position of Group Finance Director of Bourne Leisure and Managing Director of Warner Hotels. Before Bourne Leisure, Martin was Business Development Director for Minit Group (an Investee Company of UBS Private Equity) a retail services business with 3,500 outlets worldwide. Prior to this he worked in the corporate finance department of Ernst & Young, where he advised on a number of large finance transactions. Martin joined FQR in October 2008.

Stephen is Director for Property and Retail Services at First Quench Retailing where he is responsible for Property, Human Resources, Central Operations, Health and Safety and Security. Previously he was Senior Vice President for Retail and Real Estate at Polo Ralph Lauren. In addition to this, he has also held previous directorships with other retailers including Burton Group, Walt Disney Company and Gap.

Mike Stockdale has an extensive track record in the retail, e-commerce/home shopping markets for such retailers as Marks & Spencer, Primark and the Woolworth Group.  Furthermore, he has significant logistics experience in supply chain restructuring and the development of operations to improve service and reduce cost. Mike joined FQR in October 2008 as Central Operations Director: a business division encompassing Supply Chain, Retail Partnerships, Franchise and E-Commerce.

Lloyd joined the business in January 2007. Previously he spent 12 years at E&J Gallo where he covered a variety of roles. This included running their UK Sales Organisation for the 3 years prior to joining First Quench Retailing.

Mark joined First Quench Retailing as Operations Director in October 2004. He is responsible for the fast-expanding "Wine Rack" retail brand for the group.

Previously Mark was Sales Director for Oddbins and has many years experience working in the specialist drinks sector.

Alun joined First Quench Retailing in 1996 as a regional manager. In the twelve years he has worked for the company Alun has held a number of key positions, culminating in October 2003, when he was promoted to Operations Director. Alun now oversees 3 retail brands – "Threshers", "The Local" and also "Haddows" (in Scotland).

Prior to joining First Quench Retailing, Alun worked as a regional manager in the on trade, and served as an officer in the RAF.

Fyl joined the business in August 2003 and has taken a number of key roles in the business, including Head of Franchise. Prior to First Quench Retailing, Fyl has had extensive retail experience in Marks & Spencer with varying roles in Financial, Commercial and International Management and also in E-Commerce. Fyl was appointed Strategic Planning Director in May 2008.