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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Long-serving B&M chief executive who took discount retail giant public to retire

The long-serving chief executive of B&M is to retire in a year's time, it has been announced.

Simon Arora has led the discount retail giant for more than 17 years.

B&M operated 21 stores when it was acquired by brothers Simon and Bobby Arora in December 2004.

READ MORE: Arora family reduce B&M stake after £234m shares sell off completes

Since then, it has grown into a group today of over 1,100 stores across the UK and France and is now a constituent of the FTSE100 index.

B&M also confirmed that group trading director Bobby Arora intends to remain with the business in his current role.

A statement said: "Over the coming year, Simon will remain fully committed to the business in his role as chief executive officer, in particular to assist in a smooth transition to his successor.

"A succession process, led by Chairman Peter Bamford, will consider both internal and external candidates and a further announcement will be made when appropriate."

Simon Arora added: "It has been a privilege to lead B&M for seventeen years and I am immensely proud of the incredible journey that we have been on. B&M's value for money proposition remains as relevant and compelling to shoppers today as it has ever been.

"I would like to thank all 38,000 members of the B&M family for their hard work and commitment both now and as we continue our expansion."

Chairman Peter Bamford said: "On behalf of the board and all stakeholders of the group, I would like to thank Simon for his leadership over the past seventeen years.

"The remarkable growth of the business from its humble beginnings to where it is today reflects his exceptional passion, determination and ability.

"Moreover, he has established a firm foundation from which the group will continue to deliver its successful growth strategy and great value for its customers.

"We are all very grateful for his tireless efforts and he will leave us next year with our best wishes for the future."

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