Dunelm finds new chief after retailer’s rough ride

There is a new broom at homeware retailer Dunelm after the sudden departure of its chief executive John Browett this summer.

Nick Wilkinson, the boss of Evans Cycles for five years, will ride in to take the helm in February.

Dunelm has been without a chief since August when Browett left for “personal reasons”. A spokesperson said at the time the fit between his leadership and Dunelm’s culture was uneasy.

Before Evans Cycles, Wilkinson ran DIY chain Maxeda in Holland. He was also with Dixons Retail for eight years, where he was group buying director and MD of Currys.

Chairman Andy Harrison had been holding the fort.

He said: “We are confident that Nick’s proven track record will help us deliver our ambitious plans for growth and create substantial value for shareholders.”

Dunelm shares have recovered slightly since Browett’s exit but are still down almost 14% on the previous year. In October it posted a 9.3% rise in same-store sales, boosted by online orders.