Maplin boss Oliver Meakin has exited the electricals retailer after five years at the helm to head up restaurant chain Gaucho, Retail Week can reveal. 

His successor is Graham Harris, who joined Maplin in early 2015 as commercial director and has been working alongside Meakin during Christmas peak trading to ensure a smooth handover.

Maplin chairman Darren Shapland said Meakin had been “instrumental” in repositioning Maplin as a “differentiated technology retailer” with a new focus on smart home technology.

He added that, as an architect of the transformation plans for Maplin alongside Meakin, Harris is the “natural successor”.

Before joining Maplin, Harris held roles at Tesco, House of Fraser and Arcadia Group.

Meakin, who said he is leaving to pursue a new challenge, said: “It has been a pleasure to lead a business with such talented and passionate colleagues, who are committed to making our customers’ lives easier, every day.

“Maplin has been re-energised and I am confident that under Graham’s leadership the 2020 vision will be delivered.”

The retailer, which recently penned concession deals with Game and iSmash, reported full-year profits of £12.3m – down 7% year on year – on sales of £236m. 

Maplin issued its results earlier than planned in order to reassure suppliers following reports that credit insurers had reduced their coverage.