UK retailer DFS Furniture plc has announced that Steve Johnson will be the next chair of the company, succeeding Ian Durant, following an externally led recruitment process. Durant does not intend to seek re-election at the company’s AGM in November, and will retire from the board.
Johnson joined the DFS board in December 2018 and currently chairs the remuneration committee. He has extensive retail experience from several senior roles with major UK retailers, including Asda, Dreams and Focus DIY. He was Woolworths’ final chief executive. Most recently, he was chair of the board at Matalan and has also served on the boards of Poundworld and Big Yellow.
Tim Stacey, chief executive officer of DFS, said: “I am delighted by the board’s announcement of Steve’s appointment as chair. His detailed knowledge of our group and wider retail experience will continue to be invaluable as we move forward with our strategy to lead furniture retailing in the digital age.”