A.F. Blakemore appoints Ian Kellett as new CFO

July 30, 2024

A.F. Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, is pleased to announce that Ian Kellett will join as Chief Financial Officer from 1st August 2024.

Kellett brings a depth and breadth of experience from the retail and hospitality industry. More recently he spent six years as CFO at Parkdean Resorts, where he led the transformation of the finance function, built strong data and ESG capabilities, underpinning significant transformation and growth for the PE backed holiday park business. Previously, Kellett spent 10 years as CFO at Pets at Home during a time of unprecedented growth.

Ian Kellett joins the A.F. Blakemore Board and executive team and will be responsible for Finance, Property, IT and Procurement.

A.F. Blakemore’s CEO, Carol Welch, said: “Ian brings a wealth of leadership and financial expertise with a strong track record in business transformation, financial rigor, talent development and strategic planning and will be instrumental as we continue to pursue our long-term future growth objectives.”

Ian Kellett, incoming Chief Financial Officer, said: “I am delighted to join A.F. Blakemore as CFO to help build a better future at a very exciting time for the company. With a team united by a passion for customers, great food and excellent service, backed by over six thousand colleagues, long standing independent retailer and supplier relationships, A.F. Blakemore is well placed to deliver on its growth aspirations as a leader in the convenience, wholesale, and foodservice sector.”

As well as the SPAR convenience retail business, A.F. Blakemore operates across the foodservice and wholesale sectors.

Back to news