Dixons Carphone appoints Lord Livingston as chairman

Livingston, who has acted as deputy chairman since he joined the board, will succeed outgoing chairman and Carphone Warehouse founder Dunstone in April.

Prior to joining the electrical retailer’s board in 2015, Livingston served for two years as minister of state for trade and investment after acting as chief executive of BT Group from 2008 to 2013.

Livingston also worked at the Dixons Group in his earlier career and acted as chief financial officer for six years.

Livingston will succeed Dunstone, who will step down from his role at Dixons Carphone to act as executive chairman at telecommunications business TalkTalk, although he will remain a senior advisor for the retailer.

Livingston said: “It is a remarkable achievement by Charles to have grown this business from one store in the Marylebone Road to a business today that serves millions of customers across eleven countries and employs more than 42,000 people.

“I am delighted that he will remain very much connected with the business.”

Dunstone added: “I founded Carphone Warehouse 27 years ago and it remains a very important part of my life.

“It is now three years since we agreed the merger with Dixons and I am delighted with the way both companies have performed since. We have built a very strong management team and I have great confidence in their ability, so I know that the company has an exciting future.”

Livingston’s role as deputy chairman will be filled by current senior independent director Tony De Nunzio, who will also take on the role as chairman of the remuneration committee in addition to his current remit.

“I look forward to working with the board and Seb and his strong management team to continue to help our customers realise the best from new technology and the increasingly connected lives we all lead,” said Livingston.