Floorings giant Carpetright has restructured its board, appointing Andrew Corden to the board as operations director for Europe as Christian Sollesse, managing director of UK & Ireland, steps down.

Corden, who will have responsibility for the European operations, which include The Netherlands , Belgium and the Republic of Ireland, joined Carpetright 17 years ago.

He has been responsible for Carpetright’s European operations since 2008, and was previously sales director for Europe. 

Corden has 28 years of retail experience in the home furnishings market and has previous experience in both the food and DIY sectors.

Meanwhile Claire Balmforth, who joined the board at the beginning of May 2011 as people and customer director, will assume the role of operations director – UK. The new role will incorporate her existing responsibilities.

Corden and Balmforth take on Sollesse’s responsibilities. Carpetright will not be recruiting a new managing director for the UK & Ireland.

Chairman and chief executive Lord Harris said: “I would like to thank Christian for the contribution he has made to the Company over the past 16 years and wish him well for the future.

“I am delighted that Andy has agreed to join Carpetright’s board.  He has made a valuable contribution to the Group through his involvement in our European operations since 2002.

“Claire’s expanded role will enable the Company to utilise Claire’s retail management experience to drive the business forward, whilst continuing to focus on our customers and our people strategy.”