Diana Hunter, currently Waitrose’s director of convenience, is to become Bargain Booze’s new chief executive.

Hunter will join the business in February, having spent eight years at Waitrose, most recently in charge of convenience operations. Prior to her stint at Waitrose, she was at Sainsbury’s for 13 years.

In an official statement, Bargain Booze owners ECI Partners commented that they had appointed Hunter to support the company’s expansion and development as it targets growth and innovation across its 670-franchisee operated high street stores.

Bargain Booze Chairman Roger Pedder said: “Diana has an excellent record of developing high quality retail formats and bringing innovation to the high street. Her skills and experience will further enhance the ability of our management team to drive the business to the next level and offer best-in-class store formats to our franchisees. We are investing significantly in consumer research, marketing and merchandising to ensure that Bargain Booze and all of our retail formats have strong customer appeal and continue to compete effectively in an evolving retail landscape.”

The current acting managing director and former trading director Keith Webb will take up the position of deputy ceo in February.

The company’s franchisee-operated stores trade under Bargain Booze, Bargain Booze Plus, Select Convenience and Thorougoods fascias.