Mark Gregory appointed MD of Clas Ohlson UK

Clas Ohlson has appointed Mark Gregory as Managing Director for Clas Ohlson UK. Mark Gregory has long-standing experience of consumer-oriented operations, gained from companies such as Argos, Ingram Micro, British Telecom and Seeboard. Mark joins Clas Ohlson from Clermont Leisure, a company that he has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2007. Prior to that, he held positions at UK retailer Argos, as head of operations and regional manager. He has also held senior management positions involving marketing, purchasing and sales at Ingram Micro, British Telecom and Seeboard. During the 2008/09 financial year, two to four stores are to be established in the UK. The first store contract, in Croydon in South East London, has already been signed, with store opening scheduled for the third quarter of 2008/09. “We’re delighted to have recruited Mark Gregory for this important new role in the company’s continued development. His solid experience of retail operations in the UK provides a foundation for being able to rapidly build up an organization in our fourth market, the United Kingdom,” says Klas Balkow, President and CEO of Clas Ohlson. “I am optimistic concerning Clas Ohlson’s opportunities to establish a position in the UK market. Since no other player offers the distinctive mix of product range in similar retail locations, many British consumers will appreciate Clas Ohlson’s entry into the market. Being able to participate from the start in building up the operation will be an exciting and enjoyable challenge, which I truly value,” says Mark Gregory, forthcoming MD of Clas Ohlson UK. Mark Gregory will assume his new position on 1 July 2008. For further information, contact: Klas Balkow, President and CEO, tel: +46-247-444 00 Mark Gregory, forthcoming MD of Clas Ohlson UK, tel: +44 -7713-063 788 John Womack, Director of Information and IR, tel: +44-70-678 24 99