The former Sainsbury’s, Home Retail Group and Holland & Barrett man will face arguably his biggest task to date when he takes over the reins of the sofa and carpet specialist ScS in the new year. 

Classified as an essential retailer, with a strong online presence and selling a wide range of health-boosting vitamins and supplements, Holland & Barrett has been as well placed as any retailer (with the exception of supermarkets) to ride out the pandemic. 

ScS, on the other hand, had to battle with the closure of its stores and distribution centres during the first lockdown. Although its sales recovered over the summer and early autumn period, regional restrictions followed by the second national lockdown have slammed the brakes on orders once again.