RWC2011 LATEST:

RWC Speakers

Bill Grimsey

CEO, Focus DIY

Bill has over 30 years' experience in the retail industry, gained across a number of different sectors. During this time, he has held Director positions for over 20 years.

He has vast experience in the restructuring of complex businesses and the ability to rapidly absorb and understand organisation’s issues and challenges and to build effective teams focused on resolution and achievement. Most recently, Bill has been responsible for successfully refinancing The Big Food Group (formerly Iceland plc) through sale and lease-back, raising high yield bonds, and arranging new bank facilities of over £300 million. Prior to this, Bill was CEO of Wickes Plc and over a four year period led its return to profit and successful sale following a fraud investigation and triumphant defence of a hostile cash takeover.

Bill spent a number of years during the late eighties and early nineties in Hong Kong, developing the PARKnSHOP group of supermarkets with the radical introduction of Asia’s first multi-temperature distribution centre. Bill also holds a non-executive directorship at Capita. He is a member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees.

A strong believer in giving back to the community, Bill has personally raised over £200,000 for a range of charities, and over the last five years has worked with colleagues to raise an additional £1.5 million. He is passionate about London and providing opportunities to all.

Bill is a keen athlete enjoying many sports, and has 11 marathons to his name, as well as being a keen Chelsea fan.

He is married to Jan and has two grown up sons.