// Bensons for Beds hires Chris Howell as new chair to boost leadership team
// Howell will work closely with CEO Mark Jackson and CFO John Sidebotham
// Joe Wykes has joined as COO
Bensons for Beds has appointed Chris Howell as its new chairman in a bid to strengthen its executive team amid driving the business’ growth.
After securing a restructuring deal, that injected £25 million of new investment to grow the business, the bedding retailer has unveiled its new leadership team.
The retailer said Howell has been working with the business in an advisory capacity for several months and will work closely with chief executive Mark Jackson and chief financial officer John Sidebotham.
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Bensons for Beds has also appointed Joe Wykes as its chief operating officer.
Howell was previously the chairman at Maxeda DIY Group in Benelux and Oceanico Group and has led and supported numerous private and publicly listed companies in an executive, non-executive and advisory capacity including managing director at KPMG.
“While he’s no stranger to us, having guided us through the last eight months as an adviser, it’s good to formally welcome Chris as chairman to new Bensons. His experience and contribution will be invaluable as we invest to grow,” Jackson said.
“He and my whole leadership team are looking forward to getting Bensons back on its feet. This is a good business with a bright future, and we’ll emerge from our restructuring, refocused, resilient and ready to press ahead with our transformation plans,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wykes joined the team earlier this year from bed and mattress manufacturer Sleepeezee where he was chief executive.
He is a chartered accountant and was previously on the board at Adova Group, the French based supplier of bedroom furniture and sofas.
Moreover, Alan Williams will continue to lead Bensons’ stores as managing director of retail.
Bensons stablemate Harveys was not bought out of administration in the rescue deal last month, while Bensons received a £25 million cash injection from Alteri as part of its pre-pack deal, which has gone to reinstating credit insurance with suppliers.
The retailer will also unveil a replatformed website later this month to monopolise on online growth, which surged during lockdown.
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