// The Very Group replaces chief operating officer Phil Hackney with operations director Sean Hallows
// Hallows spent 6 years at The Very Group, during which time he led all outbound logistics and returns
The Very Group’s chief operating officer Phil Hackney is set to exit the business as the firm bolsters it’s executive team with two senior appointments.
Hackney, who has been at the online retail group for six years, will be replaced by current operations director Sean Hallows when he steps down in April.
Hallows has spent six years at The Very Group, during which time he has led all outbound logistics and returns, as well as the planning, development and launch of the company’s highly automated fulfilment centre Skygate, alongside Hackney.
Hallows will join the executive team and report to the group’s chief executive Henry Birch.
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Birch said: “Sean is a hugely respected leader within our business and brings industry-leading experience, having launched and operated Skygate, one of the UK’s most advanced fulfilment centres. He has worked closely with Phil and is absolutely the right person to become our new chief operating officer as we continue to invest in the transformation of fulfilment, logistics and customer care.
“Phil is responsible for some of the most successful and important developments in our business over the last decade. He is a dedicated, talented and universally respected leader, who leaves an exceptional legacy at The Very Group.”
Meanwhile, Charlotte Heiss from insurance firm RSA Group has joined as group general counsel and company secretary. She will join the business’ executive team in May this year and report directly to Birch.
Heiss will oversee corporate governance, as well as all legal, risk and compliance issues.
Birch added: “Attracting someone of Charlotte’s calibre to the role of general counsel is testament to the strength of our business and an important step in our continued development. She will play a vital role in reinforcing good governance and leading our business’ response on legal, regulatory and compliance matters.”
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