Flair Furniture Group, the multi-brand furniture business behind Bed Kingdom, has appointed Paul Atherton (pictured) as group CEO with effect from 1st October. Founder Ashley Hainsworth, who has led the company since starting it in 2011, will become chairman.
The appointment comes as the group sets out a three-year plan to reach £100m in revenue, built on three pillars: expanding its retail and trade partnerships; growing internationally from its bases in Ireland and the UAE; and scaling its presence on online marketplaces.
It is the first time the group has appointed a chief executive from outside the founding team. Paul will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business, with the group's directors reporting to him. Ashley will remain a full-time, active chairman focused on strategy, new ventures and the group's long-term direction.
Paul brings more than two decades of omnichannel, ecommerce and B2B retail leadership, including senior roles at Rexel, Project Solar, ADT and Breville/Mamas & Papas, with a track record of building national retail partnerships.
"I've run this business for 15 years, from a £400 university project to a group of seven brands, three warehouses and 92 people," says Ashley. "We've set ourselves the target of £100m within three years, and getting there needs a different kind of leader – someone who has scaled businesses through national retail, trade and international channels before. Paul is that person. He'll run the company – I get to concentrate on where it goes next."
Paul adds: "Flair has built something rare – a profitable, self-funded furniture group with real brands, its own warehousing and a loyal customer base. My focus is on operational excellence, accountability and pace – making the business stronger across every function, growing our trade and retail partnerships, and building on the international footprint in Ireland and the UAE, while protecting the D2C offer that made Bed Kingdom what it is. £100m is an ambitious number, but the foundations are here."
