Carpetright gets new chairman as founder Harris steps down after 57 years

21st Oct 2014 08:19

Carpet retailer Carpetright has appointed the chairman of pub group Mitchells & Butlers as its new chairman to replace group founder Philip Harris.Carpetright said Bob Ivell would become its non-executive chairman from 1 November. Harris said he would step down from the board on 31 October.Ivell is also a senior independent director of drinks group Britvic and AGA Rangemaster. He was previously chairman of David Lloyd Leisure Limited, Park Resorts Group Limited, Next Generation Clubs Pacific and a non-executive director of The Restaurant Group.Harris said: "I am delighted we have found a very able and experienced chairman who brings tremendous skills and experience from his previous executive and non-executive roles. After 57 years in the carpet business, it is time for me to focus on my other interests."Chief executive Wilf Walsh said: "I would like to thank Lord Harris for the huge contribution he has made since founding the business in 1988."Shares in Carpetright rose 5.5p or 1.8% to 314.75p at 08:28 in London.