BSR Australia Limited’s chairman, Everard Johnson, has decided to stand down from the position to focus on his family and personal business interests.
Johnson says it is with great reluctance he made the decision to retire and he remains committed to the BSR Group as a member retailer, but it is now appropriate for him to concentrate on his own retail business interests, wellbeing and his family life.
“The BSR Group remains an on-going passion of mine and the past six months have been both personally and professionally fulfilling for me,” he says.
“My business partner Ian Murdon and I are great supporters of the BSR Group and are excited at expanding our own businesses with support from the management and the new board.”
Johnson’s resignation is effective immediately. Garry Thyer will become interim chairman, with Rex Graham the other member of the board. A new board will be elected at the BSR annual conference in July.
Johnson says BSR has achieved its key goals since it was formed last year to meet the buying and marketing needs of Betta Electrical and Chandlers retailers who acquired the brands after franchisor Betta Stores Limited was placed in administration.
“The number one objective of the board from November 2006 was stability, both for the group and for its retailers,” says Johnson.
“I believe, after less than one year of trading, we have achieved this and provided a firm foundation on which to expand our retailer’s businesses.