The chief executive of retailer Brighthouse is poised to retire at the end of this month.
Leo McKee, 70, will step down on September 30 after being at the helm of the rent-to-own and electricals and furniture chain since 2005.
Hamish Paton, who is currently the managing director, will become the new chief executive.
“At BrightHouse, [McKee‘s] transformational leadership in customer service and with colleagues has been pivotal in developing our vibrant nationwide business,” Brighthouse chairman Henry Staunton said.
“Leo is looking forward to spending more time pursuing his diverse social interests.
“He also will be able to draw upon his broad business experience in new ventures.”
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Paton, who joined BrightHouse in 2006, worked his way up to become commercial managing director in April.
“Hamish has made a significant contribution to BrightHouse for more than 10 years. He is an innovative thinker with exceptional interpersonal skills,” Staunton said.
”His operational focus has ensured that he has been a central part of the board‘s thinking on succession planning.
“I‘m confident that he is well qualified to step up to the chief executive role, and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Before he took the helm in 2005, McKee was once the managing director of the former retail chain Woolworths.
BrightHouse has 300-plus stores across the UK and over 3000 employees.
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