Dunelm CEO steps down

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Aug 30, 2017

Homeware retailer Dunelm has announced the immediate departure of chief executive John Browett due to “personal reasons”.

Browett joined Dunelm in July 2015 from Monsoon, and while the British homeware brand said it has made good progress over the last two years under his tenure, “the next phase of growth requires different leadership.”

Chairman Andy Harrison will become provide interim executive leadership supported by deputy chairman Will Adderley and CFO Keith Down until a new CEO is appointed. Dunelm has already started the search for a successor.

Outgoing CEO John 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."

In April, Dunelm said revenue for the third quarter rose by 11%, outperforming the homewares market which has been hit by tough trading conditions.

The company is in a ‘transitional year’ as it works to integrate the Worldstores brand, acquired last November. It said the integration is going well and it expects the business to be break-even in the financial year ending 30 June 2018.