HR boss Tiney takes on Topps Tiles non-exec role

Flooring retailer Topps Tiles has announced the appointment of Claire Tiney as its new independent non-executive director, effective from today.

The experienced retail professional, who was most recently HR Director at designer outlet shopping centre group McArthurGlen, has also led the HR functions at former high street general merchandiser Woolworths and baby & maternal products specialist Mothercare.

This morning’s announcement made clear that Tiney was a director of two Woolworths Group companies in the 12-month period prior to them entering insolvency proceedings, but she had formally left the business ahead of the commencement of any proceedings at the end of 2008.

Her retail career has also included a nine-year stint at stationary trader WHSmith, in a variety of HR posts, while she has also spent time at domestic insurer Homeserve.

Michael Jack, Chairman of Topps Tiles, said: “Claire brings to our board nearly 30 years of retail experience with a strong focus on human resources.

“This expertise will be invaluable to Topps, with its firm emphasis on excellence of customer service.

“We also expect Claire to make a significant contribution to our board deliberations on training and remuneration issues.”

At a time when public companies are being encouraged to improve the gender balance in their boardrooms, Tiney becomes the first female member of the senior team, joining Jack, CEO Matthew Williams, Marketing Director Nicholas Ounstead, Finance Director Robert Parker and non-exec Alan White.

Topps Tiles, which remains a market leader in its sector despite recently reporting a 36.3 per cent year-on-year fall in profits before tax for its year-ending October 1st 2011, has indicated that it is due to further add to its non-exec team early in the new year.

Reflecting further on Tiney’s role, Jack added: “Her appointment adds diversity to the board and strengthens the representation of independent non-executive directors, in line with corporate governance best practice.”

Source : Ben Sillitoe – Retail Gazette
www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/01142-hr-boss-tiney-takes-on-topps-tiles-nonexec-role