Wakefield-based greeting cards retailer Card Factory said on Monday that Geoff Cooper will retire as chairman following its next scheduled board meeting on October 18 — and that former Britvic CEO Paul Moody will take on the role.

“Geoff advised the board in February 2018 that, for personal reasons related to his health, he was considering his role as chairman of the group and invited the board to seek a successor,” said Card Factory.

“Following this, an extensive search process was initiated, led by Card Factory’s senior independent non-executive director, Octavia Morley, which identified Paul Moody as an ideal potential successor.

“It has been agreed that Paul will be appointed to the board as chairman with effect from 19 October 2018.

“Paul has extensive experience in leadership roles, particularly in the consumer sector.

“He spent almost 20 years at Britvic plc, one of the leading branded soft drinks businesses in Europe, including eight years as CEO.

“In this role, he led its IPO in 2005 and a number of significant acquisitions.

“He developed a strong and enduring commercial franchise partnership with PepsiCo and established an international footprint for Britvic.”

Moody is chairman of 4imprint Group plc, the direct marketer of promotional products in the US, Canada and UK, and is non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee at Pets at Home Group plc. He was also previously chairman of Johnson Service Group plc until stepping down in August 2018.

Card Factory CEO Karen Hubbard said: “Geoff has made a significant contribution to the group, having overseen the significant development seen since IPO in 2014, and I would like to thank him on behalf of the whole business for his contribution, leadership and understand his wish to concentrate on fewer commitments.”