Made.com chief executive Philippe Chainieux has stepped down from the etailer with immediate effect for family reasons.  

Chainieux said he took the decision “with sadness” after nine years with the retailer, the last five of which have been in the top job.

Philippe Chainieux

Philippe Chainieux said Made had become a ‘fantastic success story’

Made.com chief operating officer Nicola Thompson has been promoted to chief executive on an interim basis while the furniture specialist searches for a permanent successor. 

Thompson has been chief operating officer since September 2019 and has been a central figure in mapping out and executing the retailer’s strategy.  

Made said Thompson was “extremely well placed to fulfil the role of interim CEO”. 

Made chair Susanne Given described Thompson as “an exceptional colleague and impressive leader”. 

She added: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Philippe for his dedication and hard work over the last nine years, during which he and the Made team have built this exciting, unique and successful digital consumer business. In 2021, we delivered record revenues and finished the year in a strong financial position. 

“It is with sadness and understanding that the board accepts Philippe’s resignation and we wish him and his family well for the future.”

Chainieux said: “It is with sadness I have to pause my professional activities to take care of my family. I am incredibly grateful to have been part of the fantastic success story of Made and I am very proud of what has been achieved over the last nine years. 

“I would like to thank the team at Made, our partners, the board and our investors for their support and their commitment to the company and I am absolutely confident that everything is in place to achieve our long-term ambition.”

Chainieux said Thompson had been “instrumental” in Made’s success and insisted he was leaving the business in “very capable hands”. 

Thompson said: “Made is an incredible business with a strong brand and consumer proposition that truly understands its digital native customer base. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the board and the leadership team to execute our strategy, focusing on enhancing the customer experience, developing our curated range and growing our fantastic brand internationally.”

Made is due to unveil its full-year results on March 8.

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