Sir Stuart Rose becomes chairman of Duvet & Pillow Warehouse
Sir Stuart Rose, the former Marks & Spencer chief executive, has been appointed as chairman of online retailer Duvet & Pillow Warehouse.
In his new role, Rose will support and guide the company’s board and management team through a period of rapid growth for the business as well as overseeing the development of new product ranges. Working with founder and chief executive Charlie Hunt, he will also help to implement the company’s rebrand which includes a change of name to Soak & Sleep.
Commenting on Rose’s appointment, Hunt said: “The support of one of the UK’s most respected retailers provides a big vote of confidence for Duvet & Pillow Warehouse, and we’re thrilled to have access to Stuart’s considerable expertise. Stuart will work closely with me to develop tighter processes and develop our brand strategy. At present we’ve positioned Duvet & Pillow Warehouse as a disruptive business in a sleepy sector. Working with Stuart, we aim to capitalise on our first mover advantage in order to become the online destination for ‘everything bed and bath.”
Rose added: “I was impressed by the brands focus on developing products using the highest quality materials, their outstanding customer service and competitive pricing, as a result of cutting out waste and compressing the supply chain. This was a business opportunity which presented me with the chance to add real value and improvement to help turn the brand into a £50 million business.”
Founded in 2007, Duvet & Pillow Warehouse has grown its turnover by an average of 50% year-on-year for the past four years and now has annual turnover of £12 million. The company employs 19 staff at its headquarters in Guildford, Surrey.
