Topps Tiles CEO to exit

Matt Williams, group CEO of tile retailer Topps Tiles, has announced his decision to step down from the group’s board, effective 29 November 2019.

Rob Parker, currently chief financial officer, will be appointed as group CEO effective from the same date.  According to the retailer, to ensure a “smooth handover” Williams will remain as an advisor to the business until the end of May 2020.

Williams, said it has been a “really tough decision” to leave Topps Tiles, but felt now was the “right time for [him] to pursue a new challenge”.

He added: “Topps is, and will always remain, a very special company to both me and my family. It is a quality business with enormous strength in its specialism which it derives from its people and culture.

“It has been an honour and privilege to lead and work alongside everybody within the Topps family and I wish them all well for the future.”

Darren Shapland, non-executive chairman, said: “Matt has made a tremendous contribution to the business over the last 20 years and in particular over the last 12 years as chief executive.

“During this time he has reshaped the retail business, completed a very successful re-branding and led the investment into the commercial tile market. On behalf of the board I wish him every success for the future.”

Parker added: “I am delighted to be offered this opportunity to lead the organisation.  Topps is an exceptional business in so many ways and I am very proud of the part I have played in our journey so far.

“I look forward to the future with energy and excitement as we continue to refine our market leading retail offer and to further our expansion into the commercial tile market.”

The nomination committee has commenced a search for a new CFO and said a “further announcement will be made in due course”.