Theo Paphitis strengthens senior management team
Theo Paphitis has strengthened his senior management team across his Ryman, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas group of companies.
The Dragons’ Den star has made two high level appointments to help drive the businesses to the next level.
Richard Bennett has joined the group as chief operating officer for Ryman. Reporting to group CEO Kypros Kyprianou, Bennett will lead the stationery chain’s buying, marketing, store operations, logistics, ecommerce and B2B functions. Bennett was previously retail director at Spar UK and prior to that worked for 18 years in a variety of roles at Marks and Spencer.
In addition, Nadine Jones has been appointed as group HR director and will be responsible for the recruitment and development of the workforce across Ryman, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas. She will also assist Paphitis as project director. Jones was formerly HR director for the jewellers Links of London, and has previously worked as head of HR for Baugur Group, Austin Reed Group and Asda.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Commenting on the appointments Paphitis said: “Retail is facing the greatest challenges seen since the industrial revolution. Only retail businesses with a meaningful proposition and excellent customer service have a chance of survival in the long term.
“I am delighted to welcome Richard and Nadine and look forward to the valuable contribution they will make to Ryman, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas.”
Paphitis is chairman of Ryman, owner of the Boux Avenue lingerie brand and chairman of Robert Dyas. The retail brands account for 348 stores in the UK and internationally.
