Expana caught up with Gordon Cambell, Former Managing Director of SPAR International, for a quick five-minute sneak peek ahead of his appearance at Agri-Food Europe, taking place from 25th to 27th February 2025 at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam.
Can you tell us a little about your career background and how you came to be Managing Director of SPAR International?
Having a Doctorate in Biochemistry and a background in Research and Lecturing at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, I moved to industry in 1978 as Chief Chemist in a large Milling and Baking Company. Interested in how the overall business operated, I quickly became involved in all areas, especially marketing, production and logistics. I was appointed Head of Business Planning and Development where I introduced a number of successful new products and services.
I moved to BWG Foods in 1983, a leading wholesaler and owner of the SPAR franchise in Ireland as Head of Business Development where I identified an opportunity to grow SPAR. I was appointed to head up the SPAR Retail and Wholesale operation in 1985. I built a strong management team, and through continuous repositioning of the SPAR retail offer to make it modern and relevant to our customers, we drove strong sales and profit growth. This success was recognized by the SPAR International Board, and I became Managing Director of SPAR International in 1994.
You’ve seen the food industry undergo significant changes. What do you believe were the most critical shifts, and how did you ensure the business would adapt and stay ahead of the curve?
The developments in IT and the introduction of management, retail and distribution systems fundamentally changed the business. Decisions could be based on real time data. The whole industry achieved enormous efficiency and productivity gains. We stayed ahead by constantly studying and implementing best international practice in all areas of our business.
The development of multiformat retail strategies was also a critical change. In SPAR we met this challenge by developing four retail formats covering hypermarket, supermarket, local supermarket and convenience store formats to meet our customers’ changing shopping needs and patterns. We then moved to omnichannel retailing with the addition of online shopping.
The key to success is studying best international practice and so we invested time inseeking out and visiting the best international operators in each area of the business. Adapting and implementing best practice is key.
What is the one piece of advice you would offer to up-and-coming leaders wanting to progress in the agri-food sector?
Listen. Listen to your customers and suppliers. Develop relationships with all stakeholders. Learn your business and be decisive.
Finally, what are you hoping to share with the audience at Agri-Food Europe.
The need to understand and respond to the changing needs of your customers and to study best international practice. To know your markets and develop flexible three year strategies for profitable growth. Lastly, to be relentless in execution.
Hear more insight from Gordon Campbell and other esteemed speakers at Expana’s Agri-Food Europe Event from 25th – 27th February at the Okura Hotel, Amsterdam. Check out our agenda here.
Written by Nick Wood
