Chris Francis has been welcomed into company and will head the Hillier Garden Centre division.
This new appointment is part of Hillier's drive towards increasing growth and profitability. It allows managing director Andrew McIndoe more time to focus on other aspects of the Hillier group.

Speaking about his new role Mr Francis said: "I am delighted to be joining a company with such a great tradition and heritage in horticulture, with one of the most widely recognized names in the industry.

"It is a great time to be starting in this challenging role given the opportunities that will inevitably arise during this period of significant change in the UK's garden centre industry."

Mr Francis has previously worked for The Garden Centre Group and before that for Wyevale, Country Gardens, Boots, Storehouse and John Lewis.

Mr McIndoe added: "Having known Chris as a customer, I am very much looking forward to working with him. He shares our values of the importance of horticulture at the heart of the business, and brings a fresh focus on retail standards and professionalism."