Topps Tiles appoints new CEO
Topps Tiles has named Alex Jensen as its next chief executive, as long-serving boss Rob Parker prepares to retire later this year.
Topps Tiles has named Alex Jensen as its next chief executive, as long-serving boss Rob Parker prepares to retire later this year.
Jensen, who was most recently CEO of National Express UK, Ireland and Germany, will join the tile retailer as chief executive designate on 15 September and take up the role formally towards the end of the year. She will also join the board as an executive director.
Prior to her stint at National Express, Jensen held senior roles at BP, where she led the transformation of its retail and B2B fleet services.
She said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Topps Group at such an exciting stage in its journey. With its trusted brands, digital platforms, expert teams and loyal customer base, the business is well positioned for growth.
“I’m committed to unlocking the full growth potential of the group and look forward to working with the executive team and the board to continue delivering value for all stakeholders.”
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Chair Paul Forman added: “Alex brings extensive retail, multi-site and digital experience as well as a proven record of value creation. I am confident that Alex will be instrumental in helping us deliver our goal of Mission 365.”
Jensen replaces Parker, who joined the group in 2007 and served as CFO for 12 years before taking the helm in 2019.
His departure comes as Topps continues to refine its strategy, with a renewed focus on digital growth and long-term margin improvement following pressure from major investor MS Galleon.
Alongside the CEO change, Topps Tiles has also confirmed that CFO Stephen Hopson will leave the business in September to take on the same role at pub group Marston’s.
He will be replaced on an interim basis by Mike Killick, who has previously held CFO roles at Pod Point Group, Restore, Peacocks, Thorntons and Jones Bootmaker.
Forman said: “Stephen has been an exemplary CFO and the board extends its heartfelt thanks to him. Mike brings extensive CFO experience and I am confident he will provide strong leadership to the business through this period.”
A search for a permanent CFO will begin in due course, led by incoming CEO Jensen.
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