JSE-listed health and beauty products retailer, Clicks, on Friday said its chief operating officer (COO), Keith Warburton, had resigned effective March 31 this year after nearly two years at the helm of the firm.

David Kneale, the CEO of Clicks, said since his return to the group in 2013, Warburton had achieved the objectives set to reposition the Clicks brand for growth by improving the value offering, expanding the stores and pharmacy footprint, improving the contribution of private label, growing the company’s customer loyalty and stemming the labour turnover in pharmacies.

“Keith’s strong financial acumen and in-depth knowledge of the group enabled him to focus on further improving our business processes and reducing the brand’s cost base,” Kneale said.

“I wish to acknowledge Keith’s contribution to the group both in his current position and as the former chief financial offer of the group and we wish him well for the future,” Kneale added.

Vikesh Ramsunder, the current managing director of UPD, will succeed Warburton as COO of the Clicks brand with effect from 1 April this year.

During his tenure as the head of UPD he has grown the UPD bulk distribution business into a significant player in the market, whilst maintaining its market leadership in pharmaceutical wholesaling.

Ramsunder has a proven track record of delivery across diverse portfolios and brands in the group.

A former member of the Clicks operating board, Ramsunder has led Clicks’ logistics and business process functions and served as the general manager for retail operations in Kwa-Zulu Natal.