Liverpool-based B&M European Value Retail S.A. has announced the proposed appointment to its board of Kentucky Fried Chicken veteran executive Paula MacKenzie.

B&M is based in Liverpool, registered in Luxembourg, and its shares trade in London.

“Paula MacKenzie is to be appointed, subject to shareholder approval, as a non-executive director of the company with effect from 9 November 2021,” said B&M.

“Paula will join the Audit & Risk and Nomination Committees of the company.

“Paula has a strong background in general management and finance, having held a number of senior executive roles during the last 10 years with Kentucky Fried Chicken (Great Britain) Ltd (KFC UK&I) which has over 900 stores and 27,000 employees.

“For the last four years she has been the managing director of KFC for that territory and was previously the chief financial officer of KFC UK&I.

“Her experience prior to joining KFC UK&I included executive roles in finance across a variety of industry sectors with Innocent, GlaxoSmithKline & Diageo plc.”

B&M chairman Peter Bamford said: “I am delighted that Paula has agreed to join the board of B&M. 

“She is a highly regarded and skilled leader with an appreciation for all aspects of business.

“Her current and recent experience in a highly competitive multi-site business and her professional background in finance will bring additional insights and perspectives to our Board while our business continues to grow at a significant rate.”

B&M added: “With regard to the appointment of Paula MacKenzie to the board on 9 November 2021, as there is currently no vacancy in the office of a director of the company, in accordance with Luxembourg law, her appointment is required to be approved by a resolution of shareholders at a general meeting of the company.

“Accordingly, an ordinary general meeting of shareholders is to be convened for 9 November 2021 for that purpose.

“Subject to her appointment being approved at the meeting, it will take effect immediately on 9 November 2021 when the resolution has been passed.

“Further announcements will be made to confirm when the notice of the meeting has been despatched to shareholders, and also following the meeting to confirm the outcome of the resolution to approve the appointment.”