David Armstrong has been appointed group commercial director at Bako

Bako North Western Group has appointed David Armstrong as group commercial director.

Armstrong has spent the past seven years as head of trading at Spar UK, where he was responsible for the retailer’s own-label ranges. He has also worked in retail and wholesale at Marks & Spencer, Safeway and Asda, as well as having a stint at Bako UK between 2007 and 2009.

“I’m very happy to be back at Bako and I am really excited about the opportunities ahead. While these are undoubtedly challenging times for many, Bako is really leading the way in developing innovative solutions and finding inventive new ways to support the industry as a whole,” he said.

The bakery products distributor launched a website in May, called Bakers.Market, that enabled consumers to order, pay for and arrange delivery or collection of treats from their local bakery.

Armstrong added that Bako was in a “really good position” to help spearhead the independent bakery sector’s recovery.

Bako Group CEO Mike Tully said: “I’m delighted that David has rejoined the business and I am looking forward to working with him and his team to drive the business to new levels over the next few years.”

The appointment comes a week after Bako North Western Group announced that former Poundstretcher boss and Premier Foods sales director Ian York had joined the company as managing director.

Established for over 50 years, Bako North Western Group distributes bakery products to customers across the UK from three national depots. It comprises Bako North Western, Bako Northern and Scotland and Bako South Eastern.