// Topps Tiles names manufacturing veteran Paul Forman as chairman Darren Shapland’s successor
// Shapland will step down from his role in October after nine-years
Topps Tiles has named Paul Forman as chair designate to take over from chairman Darren Shapland as he nears the end of his tenure.
The manufacturing veteran will join the board on 1 July and assume Shapland’s duties at the start of the retailer’s new financial year on 1 October.
Shapland is to step down from his role later this year as he nears the end of his maximum term of nine years under the UK Corporate Governance Code.
Earlier this year, the Topps Tiles chairman survived a shareholder vote after investor MS Galleon ramped up calls for his removal as a “necessary step” for the business to return to growth.
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Shapland’s successor Forman has held numerous chief executive roles at three FTSE 250 companies, including manufacturing companies Coats Group and Essentra. He is also a senior independent director at Tate & Lyle.
“I’m delighted that we have secured an individual of Paul’s calibre as chair designate,” Shapland said.
“His strong track record, both as a PLC executive and non-executive, will be of great benefit to Topps as the business builds on its market leadership position and continues to develop and expand in the years ahead.
“Paul will be a strong addition to the Topps team and I look forward to working with him on an orderly handover of responsibilities in the coming months.”
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