Grainger appoints John Blanshard as director of operations

Blanshard - who was previously chief customer officer at Unite Students - will start on 29 March, joining the company’s Executive Committee. In his new role, he will be responsible for Grainger's national operations, customer service, customer experience and health & safety, including the company’s Live.Safe programme.

Prior to joining Unite in 2010, Blanshard worked at European discount retailer Aldi, shortly after it entered the UK, developing the retail platform in the UK supermarket sector. He spent just over ten years at Aldi, including two as managing director.

Chief executive Helen Gordon said: "John's extensive and highly relevant experience within successful, customer-facing operational businesses will support Grainger's focus of delivering great homes and great service to our rapidly growing customer base.

"Our operational platform delivers significant shareholder value, and as we continue to grow our portfolio over the coming years and leverage our operations, we will enhance shareholder returns further. On behalf of the board and all of my colleagues, I look forward to John joining Grainger for what will be an exciting time ahead for the business."