DIYWEEK.net

Nick Wharton has resigned as chief executive of Dunelm and is handing the reins back to his predecessor in the job, Will Adderley.
Mr Adderley joined the board of the homewares retailer in 1992, took over the running of the group in 1996 and remained as chief executive through its IPO in 2006.

He moved into his existing role of executive deputy chairman in 2011, with the then Halfords financial director Nick Wharton succeeding him. Mr Adderley will resume the role of chief executive with immediate effect.

Dunelm made the announcement as it confirmed full-year sales to June 2014 up 7.8% to £730.2m and like-for-likes up 2.1%. Pre-tax profit rose 7.3% to £116.0m.

Commenting on Mr Wharton's departure, chairman Geoff Cooper said: "In almost four years under Nick's leadership, Dunelm has taken great strides forward. Nick's work in establishing an excellent operational and commercial platform has enabled Dunelm to seize the opportunity to exploit its position as the UK's largest homewares retailer, which will continue to provide growth in the group's market share and financial performance."

He said the board had concluded that Mr Adderley, "with his innate retail flair", is the best person to lead Dunelm into its next chapter of growth.

"He is an outstanding retailer who knows Dunelm, and the world of homewares, better than anyone, and has a real passion for this business."