AHF trades from 19 stores across the UK
Furniture and flooring retailer AHF has appointed former DFS and Fabb Sofas executive Laura Chiddey to the newly-created head of commercial role.

Ms Chiddey takes responsibility for the "entire commercial function" of the 19-store employee-owned business, md Matt Hesketh told The Furnishing Report in a telephone interview.

"That includes the marketing, buying and ecommerce functions. It is a role we've been thinking about for a number of years, and it was just about getting the timing right.

"Having somebody of Laura's calibre become available meant it was obvious to us that the timing is now. She has been heavily recommended by people within the trade."

Ms Chiddey joined DFS more than a decade ago, being promoted through a number of roles before becoming head of buying in 2012. She later became one of the launch directors of Fabb Sofas.

"She will help bring the whole thing together from an omnichannel perspective. She has joined a business that has got big plans and in her new role can bring instant improvements," said Mr Hesketh.

"Laura had the pick of the market and chose AHF because of its strategic plans and market position."