William Linnane

Global Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at SPAR Group

William leads group strategy and is responsible for developing new markets, acquisitions, expanding global programs, executing the technology strategy, and growing the Store Remodel and the Assembly businesses.

William has, over his 25-year career, highly relevant US and International experience. He has successfully delivered shareholder value by leading strategic change, driving operational excellence, and growing the top line across different businesses and markets. He has held leadership positions in iconic and well-known retailers, including Tesco in the UK and Ireland, and Sears and Kmart in the US; with accountabilities in the areas of Strategy, Merchandising, Finance, M&A, Vendor management and negotiation, Operations, Inventory management, Marketing, Digital, Data, and International markets.

Most recently, William was the CEO of a successful advisory and investment firm focused on M&A and retail restructurings. Prior to that, Mr. Linnane was President of Kmart’s Pharmacy, Drugstore and Grocery businesses in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Chief Merchant at a leading book retailer in Europe, and led the Beverage, Candy and Snacks business for Tesco in the UK, working with Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, Mars, Mondelez and others to drive branded growth opportunities via merchandising and other initiatives, including digital strategies. Mr. Linnane is a qualified accountant and started his career in finance working in the UK and Ireland at Kingfisher PLC and Tesco PLC. Mr. Linnane holds an MA in Economics from Trinity College, University of Dublin.

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