Cleland plugs into Maplin as CEO

Maplin Electronics, the private equity-owned retailer, has hired John Cleland as its new chief executive from next month.

Mr Cleland was most recently the chief executive of Esporta, the fitness chain acquired by Virgin Active last year. He also has extensive retail experience after holding senior roles at Asda, Walmart Japan, Somerfield and B&Q.

John Lovering, the chairman of Maplin, backed by the private equity firm Montagu, said: "He will be instrumental in implementing our growth plans on the high street and through multi-channels."