(Image: Supplied)
A NEW group chief executive officer has been appointed at Flair Furniture Group.
Paul Atherton takes over the role at the Yorkshire-based business, the UK retail group behind bedkingdom, as founder and former CEO Ashley Hainsworth steps into the position of chairman.
Mr Atherton said: "I’m delighted to be joining Flair Furniture Group at such an exciting stage in its development.
"The Group has a strong digital platform, talented team and exciting plans for business growth.
"One of the group’s key brands, bedkingdom officially launched in Ireland last month, and we are working on entering the UAE market next, as well as opening a physical retail store, developing new brand partnerships with established manufacturers and retailers and launching additional brands that will sit within the group and complement our existing suite of companies."
With a background in retail, consumer brands, technology and digital transformation, Mr Atherton has previously held senior roles at companies including Mamas & Papas, Breville, and Caudwell Telecoms Group.
He played a key role in bringing mass-market mobile phones into UK supermarkets and helped develop Tesco Mobile.
Mr Atherton also served as chief commercial officer at ADT Security and Rexel, and co-founded a digital media venture with Lord Sugar that became the UK’s largest outdoor digital media owner.
Mr Hainsworth said: "Paul brings a rare combination of commercial leadership, entrepreneurial experience and digital transformation expertise.
"His track record of building strong customer relationships, scaling businesses and developing high-performing teams makes him an excellent fit for Flair as we look towards the next chapter of our growth."
Paul’s appointment reflects Flair Furniture Group’s ambition to continue investing in its people, customer relationships, product proposition and digital capabilities, while building a stronger strategy for sustainable long-term growth.
He will be responsible for leading the group’s strategic direction, with a focus on accelerating growth, strengthening customer and retail partnerships, developing Flair’s digital and direct-to-consumer capabilities, and building on the group’s position within the furniture and home sector.
Flair Furniture, established in 2011, is the UK retail group behind bedkingdom, and home to several brands including Cuckooland, SOLACE+CO, and the recently launched Rug Kingdom.
The company is based in Yorkshire.
Mr Atherton is expected to play a key role in strengthening the company’s position in the furniture and home sector while guiding its next phase of development.