Bensons for Beds has named a former boss at DFS, Morrisons and Holland & Barrett as its new chief executive.
The Lancashire-headquartered retailer has appointed Nick Collard who currently serves as its chief commercial and digital officer.
Mr Collard has taken on the role with immediate effect, having first joined the company in July 2021.
READ MORE: Bensons for Beds to open 35 new stores after returning to profit
The Accrington-headquartered company is backed by Alteri Investors, which acquired a stake in Misguided before it collapsed into administration and was rescued by Frasers Group.
Mr Collard replaces Mark Jackson who has stepped down after leading the company for three years.
Bensons for Beds has also confirmed that Gordon Brown will succeed John Sidebotham as chief financial officer.
Mr Brown joined the business in October 2020 as finance director having held senior positions in Asda, Jack Wills and Pets at Home.
Ed Preston joins the board to lead the commercial team in the role of chief commercial and digital officer having held senior positions at Holland & Barrett, TalkTalk and Vodafone.
Frankie Haynes, who joined in May as retail director, has been appointed to the Bensons board as chief customer officer
Maxine Blackwell, who has been with Bensons for 12 years continues on the board as chief people officer, and Mandy Winser who joined in November 2021 continues in her chief operating officer role.
Chairman Ian Shepherd said: "Bensons is a business with huge potential. Like many retailers in our sector, we’ve had our share of operational and supply chain issues as the world has recovered from the pandemic, but we are focussed on delivering for our customers and on delivering our strategy for growth.
"As we start to look forward to the next phase in our transformation, Mark and John have decided that this is the right time to leave the business. I would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment as they steered us through extraordinary times.
"We are delighted to have appointed Nick Collard as CEO. Nick is a tremendous leader who has already transformed the commercial operations of our business and is well placed to drive the delivery of our strategy and of a transformed customer experience."
Mr Collard added: "I’m honoured to be asked to lead one of the best known brands in Britain and take it through the next stage in its transformation.
"Bensons for Beds has undergone major changes over the past two years and successfully navigated difficult conditions arising from the pandemic and lockdown.
"We have invested across all aspects of the business, including our stores, distribution, manufacturing and revamping our website, but there is still much work to do, and our focus is now on giving customers the best standards of service possible.
"This business has an unparalleled heritage and significant potential – because of its people, brand and British manufacturing strength that sets it apart in the market."
Gavin George, founding CEO of Alteri Partners, said: "I would like to thank Mark and John for their leadership during a critical period which has seen Bensons emerge from the pandemic in a strong position.
"We look forward to working with Nick and the new executive team as we continue to support Bensons’ development as it presses ahead with its transformation programme."
