Board changes at Topps

Topps Tiles announces that Michael Jack, Chairman, having served on the Board since 1999, has decided to retire on conclusion of the Board meeting to be held on 18th March 2015.

Michael will be succeeded as Non-Executive Chairman by Darren Shapland, who will join the Topps Tiles Board with effect from 19th March 2015.

Darren has over 25 years of retail and public company experience, having held senior financial and operational positions within The Burton Group, Arcadia and Kingfisher.  Darren was Chief Financial Officer at J Sainsbury's plc between 2005 and 2010 before being appointed Group Development Director, a position he held between 2010 and 2011. He was also Non-Executive Chairman of Sainsbury's Bank from 2006 to 2013 and Chief Executive of Carpetright plc from 2012-2013.  

Darren is currently Chairman of Poundland Group Plc and Maplin Electronics Limited in addition to being Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Ladbrokes Plc and Wolseley Plc.

Matthew Williams, Chief Executive said: "On behalf of everyone at Topps I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for the very significant contribution he has made as Chairman for the last three and a half years and as a non-executive director for the preceding twelve years. We wish him all the very best.

"We are delighted to welcome Darren to the Board as Chairman.  His many years of experience with some of the leading retailers in the UK, including a number within the home improvement market, will be of great benefit to Topps as we home in on our target of one third of the market and consider our future strategic direction."  

Darren Shapland said: "Topps is the leading player in its market and is making strong progress towards its goal of taking a one third share of the UK tile market.  I am joining the Board at an exciting time in Topps' development and look forward to working with my new Board colleagues to shape Topps future strategic direction."

Following this appointment the Board of Topps Tiles Plc will be comprised of an Independent Non- Executive Chairman, three Independent Non-Executive directors and two Executive Directors.

Source: Topps Tiles Press Release