How retires as Majestic boss.

(From Off Licence News)

Byline: Rebecca Evans

Majestic chief executive Tim How is to retire after 19 years in the role.

Chief operating officer Steve Lewis will take over as boss of the specialist drinks retailer later this year, after a handover period.

How said his greatest achievement was to turn a "loss-making business into a very profitable, growing business. The financial results speak for themselves". H e was part of the Wizard Wines team which acquired then-struggling Majestic in 1991, and Wizard and Majestic were combined a year later.

The acquisition of Majestic was "quite a challenging time", How told OLN. "There were quite a lot of people who thought we were mad. Some thought the business might work in the south east and in London but didn' think it would work elsewhere." How said Majestic was not widely known outside London when he bought it, but most people now know something about the business. "What we've achieved is a brand that now has a very strong appeal," he added. Majestic, which specialises in by-the-case sales from warehouse-style shops, has built up a strong reputation for quality and customer service. Once he has stepped down, How will seek to take on more non-executive roles outside the drinks industry as well as spending more time at his house in north Norfolk. Drinks ...