Wickes Appoints Octavia Morley as a Non Executive Director

Wickes Group Plc is pleased to announce that Octavia Morley has been appointed as a Non-executive Director and a member of the Company's Audit and Risk, Nominations, Remuneration and Responsible Business Committees with effect from 1 June 2026.  From the same date, Octavia will also take up the position of Senior Independent Director, replacing Mark Clare. Mark will continue to be a Non-executive Director of the Company and Chair of the Remuneration Committee. 

Octavia brings extensive retail experience in both executive and non-executive roles. She has held various senior operational and strategic roles at companies including Asda Stores Limited, Laura Ashley Holdings plc and Woolworths plc. Octavia was Chief Executive Officer, and then Chair, at LighterLife UK Limited.  She was also Managing Director of Crew Clothing Co Limited and Chief Executive at OKA Direct Limited.

Octavia is currently the Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Committee Chair of Currys plc, Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Committee Chair of Marston's PLC and Chair of Banner Group Limited, a privately owned company.  She formerly held non-executive director roles at Crest Nicholson plc, Ascensos Limited, Card Factory plc and John Menzies plc. 

Commenting on Octavia's appointment, Chris Rogers, Chair of Wickes Group Plc said: "We are delighted to welcome Octavia to Wickes.  Octavia has extensive board and retail business experience and her skillsets and insight will be of great value to our Board" 

There is no further information to be disclosed in respect of Octavia Morley under paragraphs 6.4.8R(1) to (6) of the Listing Rules. 

In addition, pursuant to paragraph 6.4.6R(2) of the Listing Rules, following her appointment as Chief Customer Officer at Dunelm, Laura Harricks, a Non-executive Director of the Company, has confirmed her intention to step down from the Board on 31 July 2026 to focus on her new role.   The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Laura for her valued contribution to the Company during her tenure and wish her well for the future.

Source : Wickes plc

Image : Wickes plc

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.