Blood was previously non-executive chairman at Waverley. In addition, Jonathan Townsend is to step down as managing director and will leave the business following a handover, with Steve Benger, formerly programme director, appointed interim MD; he will report directly to Blood.
The changes mark the start of a new era for the company following its acquisition by Manfield Partners from Heineken in 2010.
Waverley is currently finalising its restructuring programme, which will see the number of depots it operates reduce from 24 across the country to “three or four” major sites plus a number of smaller centres.
Blood added: “What we now need to do is work hard to become the most admired national wholesaler out there. It means giving people a full choice of brands in the categories we deliver and offer really great service at really great prices.”
