Hamleys chief operating officer Ralph Cunningham will take the helm of the business as current boss Gudjon Reynisson steps down for a vice chairman role.

Reynisson will step down as chief executive of the toys retailer in October after nine years in the role to take on the job of vice chairman alongside current chairman Frank Slevin.

Reynission will be succeeded by Cunningham, who joined Hamleys in 2013 as retail and brand director before becoming chief operating officer.

Cunningham has previously held senior roles at retailers including Go Outdoors and B&Q, as well as acting as chief operating officer at building material supplier Aggregate Industries.

Slevin said: “Gudjon has been instrumental in the transformation of Hamleys and I would like to thank him for his continued leadership through the international expansion of the business, particularly since its acquisition by C.Banner in 2015.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to manage this succession in such a seamless way and Ralph’s appointment ensures the long-term success of Hamleys.”

The toys and entertainment retailer operates 110 stores worldwide and is unveiling its latest store in Mumbai this week.

Topics