Topps Tiles Plc, the UK’s largest tile specialist, has announced that Matt Williams, Group Chief Executive, has decided to step down from the Board with effect from 29 November 2019 following the announcement of the 2019 full year results.
The results showed like-for-like sales growth of 0.6% and adjusted pre-tax profits constant compared to the previous year at £16m.
Rob Parker, currently Chief Financial Officer (pictured), is appointed Group CEO. To ensure a smooth handover Matt will remain as an advisor to the business until the end of May 2020.
Matt Williams, said: “It has been a really tough decision to leave Topps but I feel now is the right time for me to pursue a new challenge. 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.
“I am delighted that Rob Parker, our CFO for the last 12 years, has accepted the role of Group CEO. Rob is very well known across the business and has established himself as a strong strategic thinker and leader of people across the organisation.”
Rob is a qualified accountant and joined the Topps Tiles Board in 2007 as Finance Director. During his time with Topps he has taken on an increasing range of accountabilities, including, most recently, responsibility for Finance, IT, Legal, Logistics, Property and HR. Prior to joining Topps, he worked for Savers Health & Beauty and Boots for more than 10 years. In his earlier career Rob worked in a variety of finance related roles.
Rob Parker, said: “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.”
