UK retailer Maplin Electronics names John Cleland as new CEO, starting from March 2012.
Most recently Esporta (the fitness chain acquired in 2011 by Virgin) CEO, Cleland has extensive retail experience-- holding senior roles at Asda, Walmart Japan, Somerfield and B&Q.
The hiring reunites Cleland with current Maplin chairman (and ex-Somerfield chairman) John Lovering. The two (together with Paul Mason) turned Somerfield around before selling it to The Co-op in 2009.
Lovering says "He [Cleland] will be instrumental in implementing our growth plans on the high street and through multi-channels."
Go Maplin