Carpetright, leading specialist carpet and floor coverings retailer, has appointed Bob Ivell as non-executive chairman with effect from 1 November 2014. In addition, Lord Harris has confirmed that he will retire from the Board with effect from 31 October 2014.
Bob Ivell is currently non-executive chairman of Mitchells & Butlers and senior independent director of Britvic plc and AGA Rangemaster Group. He was previously chairman of David Lloyd Leisure Limited, Park Resorts Group Limited, Next Generation Clubs Pacific and a non-executive director of The Restaurant Group plc. He has over 30 years’ experience in the food and beverage industry, holding executive roles with Regent Inns plc, Scottish & Newcastle plc and Whitbread plc, each of which involved the management of large consumer-facing estates.
Lord Harris says: “I am delighted we have found a very able and experienced chairman who brings tremendous skills and experience from his previous executive and non-executive roles. After 57 years in the carpet business, it is time for me to focus on my other interests and I retire from the board confident that I leave behind a strong leadership team.”
Bob Ivell says: “I am looking forward to working with the board as we seek to drive a sustained recovery in profitability and to build on the strong legacy being left by Lord Harris.”
Wilf Walsh, chief executive, says: “On behalf of everyone at Carpetright I would like to thank Lord Harris for the huge contribution he has made since founding the business in 1988 and in developing it into the UK market leader. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
The company will now issue its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 25 October 2014 on 15 December 2014 and not 9 December 2014 as previously announced.