Incoming Dunelm boss to steer next phase of growth strategy

HOMEWARE retailer Dunelm has appointed Nick Wilkinson as its new chief executive after previous boss John Browett stepped down earlier this year for “personal reasons”.

Mr Wilkinson, who will take up the role in February, joins from private equity-owned retailer Evans Cycles, where he held down the top job for five years.

He has also served as chief executive of Maxeda DIY, a Belgian and Dutch home improvement retailer, as well as doing an eight-year stint with Dixons, where he was group buying director.

Dunelm chairman Andy Harrison said: “We are confident that Nick’s proven business leadership and track record will help us to deliver our ambitious plans for growth in market share and creation of substantial value for shareholders.”

Mr Wilkinson said he is looking forward to leading the company into its “next exciting chapter”.

In August Dunlem said that Mr Browett, who was appointed chief executive in 2015, had made “good progress over the last two years”, but added that the next “phase of growth requires different leadership”.

It came after Dunelm warned in February that costs were starting to rise in the face of the Brexit-induced collapse in the value of the pound, resulting in a more “challenging” retail environment.

In October, however, Dunelm thanked favourable weather for helping drive more customers into its stores and contributing to a near 25% jump in the the retailer’s firstquarter revenue.