Company Shop Group, the UK’s leading and longest-standing redistributor of surplus food and household products, has announced three key additions to its leadership team as it continues to help retailers and manufacturers stop more surplus products from going to waste.
Over the last three years, Company Shop Group has experienced significant growth, redistributing over 329 million surplus products, preventing 349,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions and expanding its social enterprise with six new Community Shops. The continued demand for surplus redistribution reflects the growing need for sustainable solutions that deliver environmental, social and commercial impact for businesses across the supply chain. As the company enters its next phase of growth, these new leadership team appointments will be key in building on this momentum.
Holly Mobley has been appointed commercial director, bringing over two decades of retail experience across major brands including Wilko, ASDA and Morrisons. Most recently, Holly held the role of director of trading and quality assurance for general merchandise at Poundland, where she led significant strategic transformation, delivering both sales and profit growth. Known for her commercial acumen and customer-first approach, Holly will play a key role in strengthening Company Shop Group’s commercial offering and supporting stock partners across the supply chain to identify and manage surplus at every stage of the product lifecycle.
Mobley said: “I am thrilled to join Company Shop Group at such an exciting time for the business. There’s a big opportunity to unlock the full potential of surplus in a way that reduces food waste, supports communities and bolsters business.”
Martin Upton has been appointed as operations director, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience across logistics and supply chain management. He has held senior roles at Poundland, ASDA, Netto, Maplin, Hobbycraft and Torque Logistics. Martin’s expertise in operational efficiency, large-scale distribution and team leadership will be central in scaling Company Shop Group’s infrastructure as it works to redistribute more surplus stock through the Company Shop and Community Shop store networks than ever before.
Upton said: “Company Shop Group has a powerful vision that no surplus products go to waste. I’m proud to be part of the journey in making this a reality, helping ensure our operational capabilities are set up well to meet increasing demand and deliver greater efficiency and service.”
Chris Hall has been promoted to finance director, having joined Company Shop Group in 2023 as Financial Controller. He began his career at the Audit Commission auditing local government and NHS bodies, before moving to KPMG, bringing experience spanning both public and private sectors. Hall later held senior roles across the Property, Group Finance, Loss Prevention, and Retail divisions at Morrisons, followed by a role as Financial Controller at McColl’s.
Hall will lead Company Shop Group’s financial strategy as it continues to invest in infrastructure and innovation, helping stock partners unlock more value from surplus while also supporting the expansion of Community Shop, the Group’s award-winning social enterprise model.
Hall said:“I’m pleased to take on this role and at such an important time for Company Shop Group. We’re building something unique, a business that delivers strong commercial value while also having real environmental and social impact. I look forward to helping shape the next phase of our growth and supporting more companies across the supply chain to embrace surplus as a long-term solution.”
Company Shop Group managing director Chris Burns commented: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Holly and Martin at such a pivotal time for the business. Their skills and expertise will help us deepen our partnerships within the industry, unlock even more surplus stock and ensure our operations are primed for future growth.
“Chris Hall has already made a huge impact in his time with us, and we’re equally happy to see him step up into the Finance Director role. His deep understanding of finance and retail operations will be instrumental as we continue to grow our reach and help more businesses embrace surplus redistribution as a sustainable solution.
“These appointments mark an exciting next chapter for Company Shop Group as we look to grow and continue delivering environmental, social and commercial impact at scale.”
Company Shop Group is part of Biffa and plays a key role in the circular economy by working with manufacturers, retailers and brands across the supply chain to unlock value from surplus stock. By redistributing surplus food and household products through its extensive network of Company Shop and Community Shop stores, Company Shop Group prevents significant food waste, diverting products from landfill and offering deeply discounted goods to its members.
