Thorntons appoints new chairman
Chris Burnett to head confectionery retailer
Chocolate manufacturer and retailer Thorntons has appointed Chris Burnett as executive chairman.
Burnett takes over later this month, when family shareholder John Thornton will step down as chairman, staying on the board as a non-executive director.
The new appointee is currently chairman of landscape and construction products business Marshalls, and previous roles include chair of clothing business Lee Cooper, now owned by Matalan, and chief executive of bedroom furniture specialist Silentnight. Burnett was also a senior management consultant with Mckinsey and Co.
John Thornton said: “I had always planned to retire as chairman at the age of 60 once a suitable candidate had been identified. Having reached that age I am now delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Burnett as chairman. His outstanding business track record and skills will bring immense value to the company.”
Burnett said: “At the time of announcing my wish to step down as chairman of Marshalls, I said that I wanted to take on a fresh business challenge. Thorntons has an outstanding brand and sound business economics. I am looking forward to working with the board and management team to deliver increased value for the shareholders.”
Thorntons chief executive Peter Burdon said: “Securing Chris Burnett as chairman is a real coup for Thorntons. His experience and insight will bring great strength to the development and execution of our strategy. The rest of the executive team and I look forward to working with Chris to create substantial shareholder value.”
