Exclusive: Carpetright chair Wilf Walsh to step down

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Wilf Walsh is to step down from the helm of Carpetright parent Nestware, Retail Week can reveal.

Carpetright boss Wilf Walsh

Carpetright boss Wilf Walsh is stepping down from his role as Nestware chair

Walsh, who joined Carpetright as chief executive in July 2014 and was promoted to chair of its holding company in March last year, will retire on his 60th birthday in June.

His impending departure will bring the curtain down on an eventful eight years with the floorings business.

Walsh, an ambassador of Retail Week’s Be Inspired diversity programme, was parachuted in at a turbulent time for Carpetright, following the exit of boss Darren Shapland after just 17 months.

Founder Lord Harris and his son Martin also left the retailer to “pursue other business opportunities”.

Martin Harris then launched the carpet chain Tapi, going toe-to-toe with Carpetright on retail parks across the UK and piling pressure on the chain.

Carpetright was forced to launch a CVA in the spring of 2018, allowing it to close 92 of its 418 stores and secure reduced rental terms on 113 others.

Meditor acquired Carpetright in a cut-price 5p per share deal in December 2019, valuing the business at £15.2m.

The business has been back on the front foot since, launching its new format The Floor Room – shortlisted for Store of the Year in the Retail Week Awards 2022 – on London’s Tottenham Court Road as it seeks to attract new customers.

In an internal memo sent to Carpetright staff this morning and seen by Retail Week, Talal Shakerchi, head of Nestware owner Meditor, said: “Now that Kevin Barrett has joined us as CEO, Wilf has informed us that he will be retiring from his position of chairman, Nestware holdings, and will subsequently leave the business on his 60th birthday in June.

“On behalf of everyone, I’d like to thank Wilf for his extremely valuable contribution over the past eight years as he navigated the business through some exciting and challenging times.”