Valassis brings in new FD
11th November 2009: Marcus Leek has been appointed financial director of Valassis Ltd, to drive forward the UK commercial offering whilst supporting the company’s ambitious plans for European growth. Leek’s appointment follows the recent promotion of Charles D’Oyly from managing director of Valassis Ltd to managing director of Valassis Europe, as the company looks to leverage its strong position and unique perspective on the European market.
In the UK, Leek will continue to support Valassis’ position as the UK’s leading coupon and voucher services provider, by looking at the most appropriate commercial offering for its retailer and supplier customers and managing the financial systems within the business.
Across Europe, Leek will play a strategic role alongside D’Oyly and the senior management team to develop and execute a plan that will best leverage the company’s position and perspective across Europe. Leek will help to deliver and grow the company’s European offering, and leverage the Group’s assets and resources across the European territory.
Having trained in industry rather than practice, Chartered Accountant Leek brings a wealth of commercial experience and acumen to the role, from a range of industry sectors spanning Retail, Telecoms and Technology. Previous roles include Group Finance Director at Bells Stores Ltd, Business Unit Director at J Sainsbury’s plc, Finance Director at Caudwell Group Company for 4u Business Ltd and Chief Financial Officer at Torex Retail plc and Jenks Holdings Ltd.
Leek comments, “I have joined Valassis at a point when there are exciting commercial opportunities across a number of European territories. The business has recently gone through a reorganisation and it is clear that there are very strong resources in the right places, which will allow us to deliver that growth plan. I see the finance function and my role specifically as being a catalyst for delivery.”
Leek continues, “I also have an important role to play in focussing the finance team alongside our commercial colleagues, and addressing the dual aspect of our customer base to meet the needs of our retailer and supplier customers moving forward. This will be a very crucial role as the economy and marketing budgets change in 2010.”
Commenting on Leek’s appointment, D’Oyly says, “I am delighted to welcome Marcus to Valassis to continue the good work that has been done in the UK, and to support our recent focus on leveraging commercial opportunities across Europe. Marcus has an excellent record of achievements, and fantastic experience in the convenience and multiple retail markets as well as other industries giving him a broad commercial perspective. I am looking forward to working with him as Valassis continues to sustain its position at the forefront of the coupon and voucher industry.”