The Very Group has appointed Nadhim Zahawi, former UK chancellor and MP for Stratford-on-Avon, as non-executive chair and board member.

Zahawi, who recently announced he would be stepping down as an MP following the next general election , will work with Very’s current management team to explore the expansion of the business in new areas as well as focus on how to maintain continued sales and profit growth.

He became the conservative MP for Stratford-on-Avon in 2010 and has held senior roles in the British government including chancellor of the exchequer and secretary of state for education. Zahawi is also co-founder and chief executive of market research firm YouGov, which used data analytics and the internet to develop online-based surveys.

The MP will replace Aidan Barclay, a member of the billionaire family which owns Very Group. Barclay took on the role on an interim basis in February following the stepping down of Dirk Van den Berghe at the end of his contract term.

Zahawi will work with shareholders to explore options for the business to achieve its ambitions of growth which could involve equity investment in the short to medium term.

“I am delighted to welcome Nadhim to the Board of The Very Group,” said Barclay. “With a proven track record in digital growth and innovation, and highly respected in the UK and global markets, he is ideally suited to lead our Board as the company enters its next stage of strategic development and growth.”

Last month, Very announced that Robbie Feather will take on the role of group chief executive following Lionel Desclée’s decision to step down.

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