Leanne Cahill, former Bravissimo boss has become ceo at furnishings company The Bazaar Group.
Cahill ran the lingerie retailer for four years before its sale to Wacoal Europe last year.
Bazaar sells bean bag furnishings under the icon brand.
‘I am delighted to join the team at icon as we embark on our next chapter. I’ve been so impressed with the talent, ambition and clear strengths of the business and can’t wait to work with everyone to leverage the growth opportunities ahead. It’s an exciting time for icon and for the North-East of England too – it feels great to be here,’ she says.
‘The search for our new ceo was exacting, and we’re so thrilled to have found someone like Leanne, who can bring deep levels of retail experience to us at what is a crucial and exciting time in our evolution. Our brand transition from Beanbag Bazaar to icon marks our dedication to creating a more diverse and considered homewares brand that customers will get to know and trust for comfort in the home. I’m so pleased that Leanne, a fantastic role model for all women in business, will be taking forward the company that I started from a kitchen table 20 years ago,’ says Jayne Dolder, Bazaar co-founder.
Cahill’s appointment sees Mark Dolder, Bazaar co-founder and Cahill’s predecessor become a non-executive director.
Cahill is also chancellor of the University of Sunderland, the first to be born and raised in the city and an alumni of the university.
