AFTER SEVEN years in telecoms, O2's head of wholesale Willie O'Byrne is returning to the grocery trade. O'Byrne has been appointed by Dublin-based wholesaler BWG to the newly-created post of managing director of convenience store operator Mace.

BWG is planning a major push for Mace now that it owns the symbol across the 26 counties. This follows its acquisition earlier this year of Mangans, which previously held the Mace franchise for the west of Ireland. O'Byrne will have responsibility for over 250 Mace stores (including more than 60 Maxol forecourts), and 45 Vivo shops, which were also operated by Mangans.

O'Byrne is no stranger to BWG, having worked as cash-and-carry director there for three years up to 1997.

O'Byrne's brief is believed to include adding new stores to the Mace chain. With Lidl and Aldi gaining market share and consumers ever more price conscious , this won't be easy.