New CEO For Topps Tiles; CFO To Depart

Topps Tiles Plc ("Topps Group", the "Company" or together with its subsidiary undertakings, the "Group"), the UK's leading tile specialist, announces a leadership succession update.  

Chief Executive Officer Appointment

Following the announcement made in January regarding current CEO Rob Parker's intention to retire from the business, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Jensen as the Company's new CEO.

Alex was most recently CEO of National Express UK, Ireland & Germany and previously had an extensive career at BP plc ("bp"), where she led the transformation of bp's retail and B2B fleet services,  both as divisional CEO (across 15 markets, and several thousand branded service stations and shops) and as Global Chief Marketing Officer (accountable for brand, offer proposition, digital and customer loyalty programmes).  Alex is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Sustainability Committee at Inchcape plc and is also a Trustee for Mind, the mental health charity.

Alex will join the business as CEO Designate on 15 September 2025 and will be appointed to the Board as an Executive Director.  Rob will remain in post until towards the end of the year, allowing for an orderly transfer of responsibilities.

Commenting on the appointment, Paul Forman, Chair of the Board said:

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Alex as the new CEO of the Group.  Alex brings extensive retail, multi-site and digital experience as well as a proven record of value creation.  I am confident that Alex will be instrumental in helping us deliver our goal of Mission 365, creating value for all stakeholders. 

"After almost two decades with the business, we will be sad to see Rob leave us and are incredibly grateful for the contribution he has made over that time as both CFO and CEO.  We wish him the very best for the future."

Commenting on her appointment, Alex Jensen said:

"I'm thrilled to be joining Topps Group at such an exciting stage in its journey. With its trusted brands, digital platforms, expert teams and loyal customer base, the business is well positioned for growth. I'm committed to unlocking the full growth potential of the Group and look forward to working with the Executive Team and the Board to continue delivering value for all stakeholders."

Directorate Changes

The Group also announces that CFO Stephen Hopson, will be leaving the business to join Marston's Plc as its new CFO.  Mike Killick has been appointed as interim CFO and will work alongside Stephen to ensure an orderly succession before his departure on 3 September.  Mike is an experienced CFO having previously performed the role in a range of businesses across retail, multi-site and public company environments including Pod Point Group Holdings Plc, Restore Plc, Peacocks, Thorntons and Jones Bootmaker.

A search for a permanent CFO will be led by Alex Jensen and will commence in due course. The role of interim CFO is not a main Board appointment.

Paul Forman added:

"Stephen has been an exemplary CFO and the Board extends its heartfelt thanks to him and wishes him the very best for the future and his new opportunity.  We are delighted to have been able to appoint a candidate of Mike's calibre as interim CFO.  Mike brings with him extensive CFO experience and I am confident will provide strong leadership to the business through this period." 

The remuneration arrangements for Alex Jensen as the Company's new Group CEO, and Stephen Hopson, departing CFO, shall be in accordance with directors' remuneration policy as approved by shareholders at the 2023 AGM. Full disclosure of their remuneration arrangements shall be included in the 2025 Annual Report. 

This announcement includes the information required by the UK Listing Rules 6.4.6 to 6.4.8, and there is no information to report under Listing Rule 6.4.8R (2) - (6) inclusive in relation to Alexandra (Alex) Naomi Jensen.

Source : Topps Tiles

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