DFS has named a former Holland & Barret CEO as its non-exec director

Buffin, who ran the health food chain for a little over a year in 2019, will join DFS from today. 

Buffin will also be appointed as a member of the audit, remuneration, responsible and sustainable business, and nomination committees, and as the designated non-executive director.

DFS chair Steve Johnson said: “I am delighted that Tony is joining the board. His significant retail experience is directly relevant to the DFS strategy. I look forward to working closely with Tony as we move forward with our strategy to accelerate growth and develop our home offering.”

Buffin is chair of European kitchen specialist Nobia AB and a non-executive director of Applied Nutrition, which recently listed on the London Stock Exchange.

As Retail Week revealed at the time, Buffin left Holland & Barrett in October 2020 after the retailer’s owner, investor L1 Retail, failed to agree on a long-term incentive plan for his work.

Prior to joining Holland & Barrett, Buffin worked for Boots, was chief executive of the Nectar loyalty scheme and was chief operating officer of Travis Perkins.