Former buying director takes the helm at TJ Hughes

Sue Tennant has returned to discount department store retailer TJ Hughes as chief executive after the surprise departure of Robin Dickie.

Six years after leaving TJ Hughes as group buying director, Tennant will rejoin the retailer on July 18.

Most recently, Tennant spearheaded the turnaround of home furnishings retailer Rosebys and was trading director of Ethel Austin. TJ Hughes finance director Mark Fontaine is acting as interim chief executive.

Dickie joined TJ Hughes in September 2004, charged with overseeing expansion and instigating sales growth.

Tennant will also have overall responsibility for TJ Hughes’ buying strategy, which has led to the departure of buying and merchandising director Cath Norgate.

TJ Hughes chairman Neil McCausland said: ‘We are delighted to have attracted someone of Tennant’s calibre to spearhead the next phase of TJ Hughes’ strategic development and accelerate the pace of growth across the group. Tennant’s operational experience and leadership skills make her exceptionally well positioned to exploit TJ Hughes’ position as a leading force within the UK’s quality discount retailing sector.

‘We would like to express our appreciation to Robin Dickie and Cath Norgate and acknowledge their many achievements and successes.’

Tennant said: ‘Having been with the business previously, I have first-hand knowledge of the passion that exists within the business to provide customers with an exciting retail experience that offers premium brands and quality products at the most affordable prices on the high street.’