David Noble

David Noble has been involved in the retail industry for over 15 years. He was Joint Managing Director of “Supermarket Direct”, which was acquired by Somerfield (1999-2000). David was responsible for the operations of Somerfield 24-7 and the integration of the two businesses.

In 2001 David was brought to help with the development of Pyaterochka’s strategy, the largest supermarket chain in Russia. Having been closely involved in an entrepreneurial grocery business on the one hand and then part of a multibillion-dollar turnover operation on the other, David has valuable experience of all facets of the supermarket business. In the early 90’s David was also a director of Foodservice Group “Go-Foods and Food Distributor Wonderfoods Cowbell” Nigeria. David holds an MBA from the Cranfield School of Management (UK).

The first Pyaterochka store was opened in St. Petersburg in February 1999. During the same year a total of 17 discount stores were set up in various districts of St. Petersburg. Pyaterochka stores have become very popular not only with low-income families but also with the St. Petersburg middle income population. It was decided to expand the chain and broaden the assortment of products to better serve the demand of a wider customer base.

In 2000, the chain grew by 21 stores to a total of 38 stores. Annual gross sales reached USD 75 million. By the end of 2001 the company operated 66 stores in St. Petersburg and 15 stores in Moscow.  During 2001 Pyaterochka served 100 million customers and had $212 million in gross sales. In 2002 Pyaterochka opened 61 new stores to reach a total of 142 by year end, and had a turnover $500 million.

David became a Supervisory Board Chairman in 2003 and was integral to the floating of the company on the London Stock Exchange.