Huddled Group plc (AIM:HUD), the circular economy e-commerce group, is delighted to announce that it has strengthened its Board with two new appointments.
Paul Simpson, Chief Operating Officer
Paul Simpson, co-founder of Nutricircle, has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer, where he will oversee the entirety of the Group’s operations.
Named in the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe List, Paul has focused his career on creating pioneering solutions to manage surplus food waste in the retail sector, founding surplus goods retailer, Food Circle Supermarket in 2017. Food Circle Supermarket grew from a standing start to annual revenue of £1.4m, when it was acquired by Huddled in 2024 and rebranded Nutricircle.
James Barthorpe, who co-founded Nutricircle with Paul, will continue to manage the division as Managing Director.
Mike Ashley, Independent Non-Executive Director
Mike Ashley joins the Board as Independent Non-Executive Director.
Mike is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in consumer-centric, high-growth businesses. He has held key leadership roles, through CEO, commercial, marketing and strategy, across renowned companies, including Boots, Argos, Dixons Retail Group, Travis Perkins, Holland & Barrett, and Magnet Kitchens. Most recently, Mike served as the Commercial Director of Nobia UK, which includes Magnet Kitchens. Prior to this, he held the role of Chief Commercial Officer at Holland & Barrett. Mike has completed retail MBA modules at Manchester Business School.
Mike’s extensive cross-sector retail experience and his proven track record in scaling operations and optimising commercial performance will be a valuable addition to Huddled’s Board.
Mike also serves on the board of AIM-quoted Midwich Group plc as non-executive director.
Martin Higginson, Huddled Group plc CEO said:
“Paul and Mike’s appointments are testament to the strength of our business and the growth opportunity we have ahead of us.
We have been very impressed with Paul since we welcomed him to the Group through the acquisition of Nutricircle and his appointment as Chief Operating Officer recognises his exceptional contribution since joining. His expanded role will help us drive operational performance across the entire Group.
Mike’s appointment brings fresh strategic insight from his impressive retail career and we look forward to benefiting from his expertise in retail strategy, marketing, and commercial leadership.
Alongside the executive team, Paul and Mike will work with us to drive the next phase of sustainable growth, strengthen our operational excellence and deliver for our shareholders.”
Paul Simpson said:
“Co-founding Nutricircle and growing it into what it is today has been an incredible journey. Seeing it become part of Huddled Group was a huge milestone and now joining the Board is another exciting step.
“I am passionate about tackling surplus food waste, and can’t wait to work more closely across all three brands to keep pushing things forward, driving efficiency and growth with our extremely talented team.”
Mike Ashley said:
“I am delighted to be joining the Huddled Group at this exciting stage of its development. I’m very much looking forward to working with Martin and the team to deliver their ambitious plans.”
