Ian Topping, inset, is joining clicks-to-bricks furniture retailer The Cotswold Company
Seasoned furniture and bed industry executive Ian Topping is returning to the sector after being installed as chairman at private-equity backed retailer The Cotswold Company.

He will work alongside the management team in driving the strategy and continued growth of the business, majority owner True Capital said in a press release announcing his appointment.

Mr Topping has been CEO at entertainment retailer HMV for the past five years, but will retire from his full-time role at the end of September. He is well known in the furniture and beds industry, having led Steinhoff UK as CEO following its acquisition of Relyon Group back in 2001.

"Since True invested in 2016, we have been exceptionally pleased with the growth of the business and the retail and consumer network the partnership has delivered, including the introduction of Gordon and Chris Segal, the founders of Crate & Barrel, as Board advisors," said The Cotswold Company CEO Kevin Johnson.

"Ian is another example of that and we are delighted to welcome him as chairman."

The Cotswold Company majors in pine, oak and painted cabinet furniture as well as carrying other categories such as upholstery. It recorded profits of £1.9 million on sales of £35 million in 2016–17.

True CEO Matt Truman said: "The business has opened two new retail showrooms and delivered revenue growth in excess of 20 percent this year in line with the rapid revenue growth of recent years. Ian’s appointment comes at a time when the business is positioned for ongoing digital growth as a direct-to-consumer furniture retailer with over 90 percent of sales coming from online."

Ian Topping said: "I look forward to working closely with Kevin and the rest of the management team to continue to grow the brand and build on the industry leading customer proposition to attract an even wider customer base."