NFRN gains new COO

Stuart Hale has taken over as chief operating officer at NFRN - "The Fed", or Federation of Independent Retailers.

Mr Hale officially took up his post on Monday, February 21 and will be based at the organisation’s head office at Bede House, in Durham.

He brings with him a wealth of experience in senior management roles in retail and manufacturing, including 18 years with electrical retailer Dixon’s, working his way up to programme manager in HR.

His career then took him to Porsche, as head of business, and Jaguar Land Rover, where he was global development manager with working experience overseas. His most recent role was as a strategy director for Hero Wellbeing Solutions.

“You could say retail is in my blood. I started out stacking shelves aged 16 at the Co-op in Headingley. I then worked in shoe shops and clothes shops before joining Dixon’s,” said Hale.

A proud Yorkshireman – Leeds born and bred – Mr Hale is a big fan of Rugby League club Leeds Rhinos and is a keen follower of F1.

Commenting on his new role with The Fed, he added: “I think there’s a huge challenge in terms of giving members value for money and for them to understand the value of their membership, but it’s a challenge I am looking forward to.

“The Fed hasn’t had a COO for a while, so it’s nice for the team to have someone in place and to know that we are all working together as a team, adding value to the business, and that their value is recognised.

“The Fed is an unusual set up which I know will stretch me because of its different dynamic. I need to be the conduit between the members and the business and I have to have a foot in each camp.”

The Fed’s National President Narinder Randhawa said: “Stuart has all the experience and knowledge required to take us forward and put the organisation on an even stronger footing.

“We already have an excellent team in place, and with Stuart at the helm I am sure we will continue to grow as a business.

“I know he has some great ideas and plans to help us improve the service we provide to thousands of independent retailers across the UK and Ireland, and I wish him all the best in his new role.”