Nisa has recruited former Spar Hendersons director Nigel Gray to head up its symbol group operation.

Gray, who was most recently retail and operations director at the Northern Ireland Spar wholesaler and retailer, has also been a store manager at Marks & Spencer, progressing to become regional manager for Northern Ireland. He starts at Nisa in April as business unit director for symbol, and completes the new management picture following the restructure of the organisation into symbol and non-symbol retail divisions.

He will work alongside Steve Leach, who joins from Vodafone as business unit director for independent & specialists on Monday.

Nisa chief operating officer Amanda Jones said: “We are delighted to welcome Nigel on board as the new business unit director for symbol.

“His appointment demonstrates the positive direction Nisa is taking to become more retail and consumer focused so the business is better equipped to deliver retail solutions and benefits to our wide range of members.”

Gray added: “I am genuinely excited to join Nisa and look forward to continuing to build on the success of the company. I’m confident that with my retail experience from Marks & Spencer and Spar Henderson, I can make positive changes and bring new ideas.”