UK: Majestic chairman to step down

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 26 January 2010

Majestic chairman to step down

The chairman of Majestic Wine, the UK wine retailer, is to step down from his role at the firm’s next AGM.

Simon Burke, a non-executive director of Majestic since 2000 and chairman since 2005, will step down on 6 August, the company said today (26 January).

Phil Wrigley has been appointed as chairman designate of Majestic and will join the board in April as a non-executive director, He will become chairman following Simon Burke's retirement.

Steve Lewis, chief executive, said: “I would like to thank Simon for the very significant contribution he has made to the success of Majestic over the last ten years. I am looking forward to welcoming Phil to the board in April. His broad retail and property experience will be invaluable in continuing to grow the Majestic story.”

Burke previously held senior management positions at Debenhams, Arcadia and BHS. He is currently chairman of LXB Retail Properties and until recently he was chairman of New Look.

Earlier this month Majestic reported a double digit rise in sales for the key Christmas trading period.