A new chief executive has taken over the helm of Bath-based designer eyewear firm Inspecs, which has also appointed former bosses of Aga Rangemaster and Marks and Spencer to its board.
Richard Peck, who has been a non-executive director at the Aim-listed company since January 2020, took up his new role on Thursday (December 1). The group has also recruited Shaun Smith and Hugo Adams as non-executive directors. Robin Totterman, the company's founder and previous chief executive, will assume the role of executive chair.
Mr Peck has held managing director positions at premium eyewear brand Luxottica Retail Northern Europe and David Clulow opticians. He and Mr Totterman will work "closely together", according to Inspecs, to develop the company’s global ambitions.
"The board is delighted that Richard has become chief executive with his extensive business development skills gained at Luxottica and is confident he is the right person to lead Inspecs through the next stage of its growth," said Mr Totterman.
Mr Smith, who will join the audit and risk and remuneration and nomination committees, previously held chief financial officer roles with shower and bathroom business Norcros and kitchenware firm Aga Rangemaster. In his role at Aga, he helped oversee the transformation of the business into an international brand-led manufacturer and retail group.
He has served as a non-executive director on public company boards since 2016, including as audit committee chair, and is currently a non-executive director of window and door manufacturing company Epwin.
Mr Adams has more than 25 years’ experience working for global consumer brands including The Body Shop and running marketing and international expansion at Dyson. During nine years at Marks and Spencer he managed businesses across Europe and the Middle East, as well as being chief of staff to the chief executive and later property director.
Mr Adams, who will serve on the audit and risk, remuneration and nomination and new environmental, social and governance committees, was also previously on the executive board of Superdry, where he was responsible for marketing and business development. He was most recently chief executive of Start-Rite Shoes.
Mr Totterman added: “I am delighted to welcome Shaun and Hugo to the Board of Inspecs. Shaun has extensive PLC experience having held a variety of finance roles in international manufacturing and retail groups, whilst Hugo brings significant experience in the retail sector and a proven track record of delivering growth for purpose-led consumer brands."
In August, Inspecs reported “good progress” for the first half of the year, as it continued to expand its global distribution reach and production capability. Earlier in the year it had reported a reduced loss after a series of acquisitions saw a fivefold rise in revenue.
The business completed a number of major acquisition deals in 2021, including for German frames distributor BoDE Design and global design and licensing company Ego Eyewear. It also secured the trademarks, rights and licences for British fashion brand Hardy Amies.
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