Roy Campbell has been appointed CEO of Smiths City.

Campbell succeeds MD Rick Hellings, who has been  in the role for 15 years, and will start on May 1.

“We are very pleased to have a chief executive of Roy’s calibre appointed to Smiths City Group,” said chairman, Craig Boyce.

“The board see Roy’s expertise best summed into three key areas – 30 years of experience and passion for retail, both in New Zealand and internationally; a highly successful and transformative leader of business and people capability; and a committed focus on results,” he said.

Campell’s retail career foundations were formed in New Zealand via Mobil Oil in the mid 80s; and Lion and Deka into the 90s. A stint in the UK in the late 90s consulting in M&A saw him return to NZ in 2000 to lead FMCG businesses requiring  change. In 2007 where, he became CEO of an international company where he used his background in FMCG and business turnaround.

“In welcoming Roy we also wish to acknowledge the successful leadership of Smiths City through many periods of disruption and intense competition by Rick Hellings, our outgoing MD. Rick has been with us for 30 years, half that time as MD. Rick will continue to work with the board and Roy to ensure a good transition.”