Blokker chairman suddenly resigns; "Difference of opinion"

The Chairman of the Board of Directors at discount retailer Blokker is stepping down due to a disagreement with the Board, the company announced in a press release. Roland Palmer said he now plans to continue his career outside of Blokker. Thom de Kool, the vice chairman of the Board, will perform the function of the chairman until the company finds a permanent successor for Palmer. He will now be responsible for coordinating the launched Transformation Strategy 2017, a new strategy meant to reinvigorate the shop. The resignation comes months after hundreds of job roles were slashed by the retailer, prompting management and the unions to work on an agreeable severance package. Roland Palmer was an employee of Blokker Holding since 2009 and a member of the Board of Directors since 2010. He was appointed the chairman of the Board in 2011, after the death of his uncle, Jaap Blokker. Blokker Holding expressed its gratitude to Palmer for his activity as the Board chairman in a statement. The company mentioned that Palmer assumed his position under difficult market conditions and managed to lead the organization successfully. He provided an impetus to innovation and better accommodation of consumer demand, according to the statement.