The Cotswold Company appoints former HMV CEO as chairman

True, European retail and consumer sector specialist investor, has appointed Ian Topping as chairman of online furniture retailer, The Cotswold Company.

Topping will work alongside the management team in driving the strategy and continued growth of the business.

Topping will be resigning from his current role as chief executive at entertainment retailer HMV in September after five years. During his time at HMV, he has re-established profitability and delivered strong investor returns since it was acquired from administration by Hilco Capital.

Prior to HMV, he was chief executive of Steinhoff UK, following its acquisition of Relyon Group PLC in 2001, where he was chief executive until 2012. Steinhoff UK grew to become the country’s largest integrated furniture manufacturing and retail group comprising six retail businesses (Harveys, Benson for Beds, Sleepmasters, Bed Shed, Reid Furniture and Cargo).

Ian Topping said: “The Cotswold Company has experienced a strong period of growth since it was acquired by True in 2016, expanding its product and category ranges and showroom footprint. I look forward to working closely with Kevin and the rest of the management team to continue to grow the brand and build on the industry leading customer proposition to attract an even wider customer base.”

Kevin Johnson, CEO The Cotswold Company, added: “Since True invested in 2016, we have been exceptionally pleased with the growth of the business and the retail and consumer network the partnership has delivered, including the introduction of Gordon and Chris Segal, the founders of Crate and Barrel, as board advisors.

“Ian is another example of that and we are delighted to welcome him as chairman. Ian brings over 25 years of retail leadership experience to the board and we look forward to him contributing to the future success of the business.”