Will Adderley returns to chief executive role at Dunelm as profits rise

The leadership change was disclosed along with Dunelm’s preliminary results, which showed a rise in profits, sales and margin.

Adderley, who became executive deputy chairman in 2011 having run the homewares retailer since 1996, takes up the chief executive’s role with immediate effect.

Dunelm chairman Geoff Cooper paid tribute to Wharton’s contribution to Dunelm.

He said: “In almost four years under Nick’s leadership, Dunelm has taken great strides forward. 

“His strong marketing, process and operational focus has significantly strengthened the customer offer while at the same time creating a robust infrastructure, more sophisticated retail systems and a more advanced multichannel proposition.”

Adderley said: “Nick has done an excellent job in creating such a strong platform and there is great momentum in the business. 

“We are the UK’s leading homewares retailer, with an outstanding customer offer, and my job now is to lead the team in making the most of the opportunities that this creates.”

Dunelm reported a 7.3% rise in pre-tax profits to ££116m in the year to June 28, when sales climbed 7.8% to £730.2m.

Like-for-likes rose 2.1% and gross margin was ahead by 80 basis points to 49.5%.

Adderley described the performance as “solid” and said: “We have again strengthened our specialist proposition, improved customer service in-store and increased the profile of our brand.

“Each of these, together with our traditional product strength, enabled us to increase sales on a like-for-like basis and to continue to gain market share.

“We have also made good strategic progress, growing our business through new stores and multichannel, and strengthening our infrastructure.”