Topps Tiles chief executive Rob Parker is to retire from the business after 18 years followings its return to sales growth.
Parker, who joined in 2007 as its CFO, will remain in post until a successor has been appointed.
Group chair Paul Forman thanked Parker for his “enormous contribution to the development and success of the business over the last 18 years”.
He added: “During his time as CEO, he has overseen a period of significant diversification and growth of the business, and has led the Group through a particularly volatile period for the UK economy, including the Covid pandemic.”
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Parker’s departure comes as the tile specialist reported it had returned to growth during the golden quarter, with group sales up 4.6% in the 13 weeks to 28 December and 12.9% in the most recent five-week period.
It attributed the improvement to the “robust growth” in trade revenue at both Topps Tiles and Pro Tiler, which jumped 13.5% and 20% respectively.
Like-for-likes in the company’s Topps Tiles banner edged up 3.5% and 12.5% in the most recent five-week period.
The group said it made “good further progress” against its Mission 365 strategy – which sets revenue and profit medium-term goals – especially its digital experience targets.
It reported that total traffic to Topps Tiles’ digital channels was up 17% year-on-year. Online trade traffic was up more than five-fold and online trade sales were up 60% in the period.
Commenting on the results, Parker said: “We are pleased to see the group return to sales growth in the first quarter of the new financial year, supported by our strong trade offer and continued strategic progress, particularly with our digital and omnichannel growth initiatives.
“Whilst it is early in the financial year and macroeconomic indicators remain mixed, we are pleased that our growth strategy is delivering strong results, which leaves us well positioned to deliver our goal of Mission 365.”
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