Auckland-headquartered garden-centre chain Kings Plant Barn has appointed Matthew Bailey as its new CEO, taking over from Chris Hall, who worked with Kings for 28 years.
Bailey, pictured above, joins Kings from Still, the brand’s parent company, which acquired the business in 2018. He has a background in finance and investment, and experience in governance in various industries and not-for-profit organisations. He has also been Kings Plant Barn’s chair for the last five years.
Bailey took up his role on Monday, (December 5).
“I believe that Kings’ mission to bring plants to life through our stores and cafes resonates with both staff and customers,” said Bailey.
“Plants make people happy, and that’s a great motivation to come to work every day.”
Tony Caughey ONZM, the incoming chair of the Kings, stated in a statement that Bailey is taking over the organisation at “a pivotal time”. Following the successful debut of the new concept shop in Stonefields earlier this year, he added Kings is in the midst of an “evolution.”
The former CEO, Chris Hall, who started his career as a garden centre manager, has led the company to expand its portfolio with eight retail stores across Tāmaki Makaurau, including the new Stonefields store on Lunn Ave in Mt Wellington, four cafes, three nurseries and a full e-commerce offering and distribution centre.
Additionally, Kings Plant Barn said Hall had effectively led the business through difficult retail trading conditions during the Covid epidemic.
