Marcus Eyles leaves Dobbies to pursue a new chapter in his illustrious 40-year career.
Marcus joined Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, in 2017 as Head of Online, before progressing to Purchasing Director, and latterly Horticultural Director.
Marcus’ passion for gardening dates back to his childhood and he started his career at Hillier Nurseries in 1983, progressing to Merrist Wood College in 1985. After a year in London working for Tropical Plants Display, he then moved into retail with Country Gardens plc in 1989. He was promoted quickly to store manager and then to Head of Plant Buying for the group. In 2001, he started The Garden Store Ltd and grew this business to eight garden centres across the midlands. With his friends and family, he ran the business successfully before selling it in 2014.
David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Marcus’ knowledge and passion for plants and gardening has been instrumental in developing our horticultural range and offering over the last seven years. We wish him all the best for the next chapter of his extraordinary career.”
Marcus Eyles added: “There have been many high points in my time as part of the Dobbies team, including the five-star award and best trade stand at RHS Chelsea Flower Show; the development of our own brand peat-free compost which won the RHS Sustainable Garden Product of the Year award; and best stand at the Garden Press Event.
“What I am most grateful for is my team, past and present, who have always given myself and the business their conscientious dedication, loyalty and passion to deliver the best trading results possible.
“As I work on the next chapter of my career, I want to wish Dobbies the best for spring and beyond.”
Dobbies has 77 stores across the UK, employs 3,800 people and has welcomed over 30 million customers in the year-to-dat