Card Factory appoints Darcy Willson-Rymer as CEO

Card Factory has announced the appointment of Darcy Willson-Rymer as chief executive officer.

Mr Willson-Rymer will join Card Factory from Costcutter Supermarkets, where he has served as CEO for the last eight years.

During his time at Costcutter, Mr Willson-Rymer steered a nationwide multi-site owned and franchised convenience retail business through a period of significant change, including the development of a new operating model, introduction of a data and insights led business growth programme that realised a 20 per cent sales uplift.

Prior to this, he was CEO of Clinton Cards plc from 2011 to 2012. Before joining Clintons, Mr Willson-Rymer held a range of senior roles in international branded businesses, including Starbucks Coffee Company, Yum Restaurants International, and KFC Great Britain.

Mr Willson-Rymer will join the company on 8 March 2021. Paul Moody’s appointment as executive chairman will end when Mr Willson-Rymer joins the business, at which time he will revert to his role as non-executive chairman.

Paul Moody, Executive Chairman, commented: “Darcy has excellent credentials and experience to lead Card Factory through the next phase of our evolution and to continue to lead the implementation of the refreshed strategy. He has experienced successfully leading a complex, multi-site retail business in Costcutter, held senior positions in two customer service-centred global branded businesses in Starbucks and Yum, in particular, where he led a business with an operating model encompassing both owned and franchised units. Darcy brings highly relevant knowledge and experience that will hugely benefit Card Factory.”