Dunelm chief executive steps down

John Browett, the chief executive of Leicester homewares giant Dunelm is step down with immediate effect, citing “personal reasons”.

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange this morning (30 August), Dunelm said its next phase of growth “requires different leadership”.

Andy Harrison, chairman, said: “I would like to thank John for his contribution to the business and the strategic progress made under his leadership, most notably the exciting acquisition of Worldstores.

“We will immediately start a search for John’s replacement and, in the meantime, I will provide interim executive leadership, supported by Will Adderley, our deputy chairman, and Keith Down, our CFO.

“Dunelm remains the market leader in homewares and we have ambitious and profitable growth plans to continue building the UK’s biggest and best multi-channel homewares retailer. We have a strong executive team in place to make this happen, and the Board remains confident in the Group’s future prospects.”

Browett said: “I am pleased to have led the development of Dunelm over the last few years and feel that we have achieved much in a challenging retail environment. It is, however, time to move onto a new challenge, and I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career.”

Browett had previous been in charge at clothing retailer Monsoon, and before that Dixons.