Wholesale trade body names new chief executive

WHOLESALE industry trade body the Scottish Wholesale Association has appointed Colin Smith as chief executive (designate), succeeding current executive director Kate Salmon who is retiring after leading the organisation for 35 years.

Mr Smith, whose career in the wholesale sector spans more than 20 years, was Scottish regional manager for Bestway’s convenience store group Best-one before launching his own business, Pinkie Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh.

Julie Dunn, president of the trade group, said: “Colin’s wide-ranging experience of the wholesale industry, spanning both foodservice and retail, plus his strengths in marketing, will bring depth and knowledge to our association as we support our members in times of change both within the trade and on the political landscape.”

Outgoing director Kate Salmon will work with Smith over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth handover before scaling back in the autumn to work for the SWA on a consultancy basis.

Nucleus bolsters client relations team with Standard Life hire 

INVESTMENT platform Nucleus, which last week said it will be seeking admission to the Alternative Investment Market, has poached Valerie Rogerson from Standard Life to run its client relations team.

In her new role Ms Rogerson, who was head of customer service strategy and proposition at Standard Life, will provide Nucleus adviser firms with operational support and promote best practices within their businesses.

Barry Neilson, chief customer officer at Edinburgh-based Nucleus, said: “Valerie brings an impressive amount of experience that we can tap into from day one and I am sure she will become an invaluable member not just of the team, but also to our advisers, as we gear up for future growth here at Nucleus.”