Hire giant appoints new digital chief to drive online strategy

Paul Jackson. Image credit: Joel Chant

SPEEDY has announced it has appointed Paul Jackson as chief digital officer (CDO) to help drive the company’s online strategy and simplify tool and equipment hire.

He joins from furniture giant IKEA, where he held the same position in the UK & Ireland. Speedy revealed Jackson brings brings two decades of experience to the role, having led CRM, e-commerce, home delivery and data analytics strategies for several other household brands, including Sainsbury’s and Argos.

The appointment follows Speedy’s launch into the DIY market with a dedicated digital ordering platform for consumers to hire tools and equipment and a network of concessions across 36 B&Q stores nationwide.

Jackson will join the executive board and be responsible for enhancing Speedy’s digital proposition across its customer base, from consumers to large contractors.

Russell Down, chief executive at Speedy, said, “Creating a market-leading digital proposition is a strategic priority for our business as we expand into the DIY market. We need to benchmark ourselves beyond the hire sector to be truly successful. Paul’s wealth of experience in building online strategies for leading consumer retailers will be vital as we grow into the DIY market, while also meeting the needs of our entire customer base from small trades to large contractors.”

Paul Jackson added, “This is a really exciting time to join Speedy. The DIY market offers huge potential for growth and our 200-strong UK wide service centre network provides a fantastic foundation to build a digital strategy that will simplify and enhance the customer experience for consumers and businesses.

“This proposition, alongside the company’s clear sense of purpose in investing in its people, its communities and the environment, make this a compelling opportunity.”