The chief executive of Topps Tiles is to step down from the chair as it returns to sales growth and just weeks after a major shareholder called for a management shake-up.
Rob Parker is to retire from the business after 18 years once a successor has been appointed. He joined in 2007 as cfo.
Group sales rose by 4.6% in the 13 weeks to 28 December and 12.9% in the most recent five-week period. It attributed the improvement to ‘robust growth’ in trade revenue at Topps Tiles (up 13.5%) and Pro Tiler (up 20%). Like-for-like sales for the Topps Tiles chain rose by 3.5% and 12.5% in the five-week period.
‘We are pleased to see the group return to sales growth in the first quarter of the new financial year, supported by our strong trade offer and continued strategic progress, particularly with our digital and omnichannel growth initiatives. Whilst it is early in the financial year and macroeconomic indicators remain mixed, we are pleased that our growth strategy is delivering strong results, which leaves us well positioned to deliver our goal of Mission 365,’ says Parker.
Paul Forman, Topps Tile chairman thanked Parker for his ‘enormous contribution to the development and success of the business over the last 18 years. During his time as CEO, he has overseen a period of significant diversification and growth of the business, and has led the Group through a particularly volatile period for the UK economy, including the Covid pandemic.’
Last month MS Galleon made two calls for a management shake-up and change of strategy.
