US-based merchandising and retail solutions provider SPAR Group has promoted Jean Richer to head of North American sales and marketing.

Reporting directly to CEO William Linnane, Richer will oversee sales and marketing operations across the US and Canada, with responsibility for driving commercial activity among merchandising and consumer packaged goods clients.

The appointment builds on Richer’s career of more than 25 years in the consumer-packaged goods and retail services sectors.

His previous experience includes senior positions at Seagram’s, Lactalis, Keurig Dr Pepper and Anheuser-Busch, along with leadership roles in retail services and agency businesses.

In a separate development, the company disclosed that several members of its executive leadership team have recently increased their personal shareholdings in SPAR Group.

For instance, chief financial officer Steve Hennen acquired 55,000 shares while chief technology officer Josh Jewett purchased 125,000 shares.

These transactions follow a previously reported share purchase in early November by Linnane, who bought 173,000 shares and now holds a total of 190,909 shares.

SPAR Group said the leadership changes and recent share acquisitions form part of ongoing developments within its senior management team as the company continues its operations across North America.

Linnane said: “I am excited to have Jean leading sales and marketing across the US and Canada. He brings a deep understanding of how CPG brands and retailers create value through world-class merchandising today and, more importantly, how the industry is evolving and how SPAR can serve as a catalyst for that change.

“I am also pleased to see our executive leadership team building meaningful ownership stakes in the company, further aligning leadership with shareholders as we drive long-term growth and innovation into 2026 and beyond.”