Dunelm strengthens executive team with two new appointments

The retailer has appointed Laura Harricks as chief customer officer and Caroline Angell as its new chief people officer. Dunelm chief executive Clo Moriarty said the appointments will help the retailer “drive a relentless focus on the customer”.

Currently on the non-executive board of Wickes, Harricks will take up her new role in March. She previously spent over five years at Ocado, where she ended her time as chief customer officer.

She was also briefly digital director at Monsoon Accessorize, and started her career in retail with Dixons Carphone, where she worked for eight years.

Dunelm said that over the course of her career, Harricks has “spearheaded a range of customer-led digital transformation programmes, as well as loyalty and customer experience strategies that deliver growth”.

Meanwhile, Angell will join Dunelm with immediate effect, having previously head senior people-focused roles in retail at Kingfisher, Currys and Sainsbury’s.

Dunelm said she “brings a deep understanding of how to drive organisational development, with a focus on building the right capabilities and improving colleague engagement, which will be invaluable in supporting Dunelm’s growth ambitions”.

Moriarty said: “As we build and execute our growth plans at pace, it’s fantastic to welcome Laura and Caroline into our executive team.

“We want to drive a relentless focus on the customer and Laura brings the right experience, energy and strategy capabilities to help us accelerate that journey. Her leadership will be crucial as we sharpen our digital experience, harness creative and insights, and ensure our customers are at the heart of every decision we make.

“Our colleagues are what make Dunelm so special, and we know how important they will be in taking the business to the next level. Caroline brings with her a wealth of expertise in developing people, culture and capabilities, and she will play a vital role as we continue to evolve the business and capture the significant opportunity we have ahead of us.

“I’m thrilled to welcome them both to the ‘Home of Homes’ and look forward to working with them.”