Alison Brittain
Chair – Independent on appointment
Alison Brittain
Chair – Independent on appointment
Appointed
September 2022 and as Chair in January 2023
Board Committees
- Nomination Committee (Chair)
- Remuneration Committee
Gender
- Female
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
Alison is an experienced business leader who brings considerable expertise to the Board as NED and former Chief Executive of a range of consumer-facing companies. Her skillset enables her to provide valuable insight on strategic matters and a strong focus on execution, which are key to our continued growth. In addition, she has successfully scaled businesses in the UK and internationally, has longstanding plc experience and a deep understanding of stakeholder perspectives. This positions her perfectly to facilitate constructive challenge and debate as our Chair.
Previous roles
Alison was CEO of Whitbread PLC from 2015 to 2023. Prior to that, she held several senior roles in the UK banking industry, serving as Group Director in the Retail Division of Lloyds Banking Group PLC (2011-2015), Board Director at Santander UK PLC (2007-2011) and Barclays PLC (1987-2007). Alison was a Non-Executive Director of Marks & Spencer Group PLC from 2014 to 2020.
Other commitments
Chair of English football’s Premier League. Senior Independent Director at Experian plc. Non-executive Director at British Airways plc. Chair of the King’s Trust Group of Charities (formerly The Prince’s Trust).
Sir Will Adderley
Deputy Chair – Non-independent
Sir Will Adderley
Deputy Chair – Non-independent
Appointed
April 2003
Board Committees
Nomination Committee
Gender
- Male
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
Will brings a unique perspective to the Board as a result of his broad and deep understanding of the business and his in-depth knowledge of its corporate history. This adds significant value to Board debate and informed decision-making. Will also plays a key role in contributing to the ongoing development of our purpose and culture, which has been built from the shared values instilled by the Adderley family when the business was founded. Will retains an executive role to support the business in matters agreed with the Chief Executive, as required.
Previous roles
Will has worked for Dunelm his whole career since joining in 1992. He took over the day-to-day running of the Group from his father in 1996 and remained as Chief Executive through the Group’s IPO in 2006. Will became Deputy Chairman in February 2011 and was reappointed Chief Executive in September 2014 for an interim period until 31 December 2015.
Other commitments
Owner of WA Capital Limited and Trustee of Stoneygate Trust.
Nick Wilkinson
Chief Executive Officer – Non-independent
Nick Wilkinson
Chief Executive Officer – Non-independent
Appointed
February 2018
Gender
- Male
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
Nick is an experienced Chief Executive, with a proven track record in multichannel retail businesses operating across a number of consumer brands and geographies. His leadership is pivotal in developing and overseeing delivery of our strategy, driving growth and ongoing transformation, increasing market share, and continuing to strengthen our customer offer and experience. Nick chairs our Good and Circular Steering Group, steering our plans to build sustainability into all that we do.
Previous roles
Nick was the Chief Executive of Evans Cycles from 2011 to 2016 and the Chief Executive of Maxeda DIY from 2007 to 2010. Prior to that, he was Group Buying Director and MD of Currys at Dixons Retail Group (1999 to 2006). Nick spent his early career at Unilever and McKinsey & Co.
Other commitments
Trustee of Rewilding Britain.
Karen Witts
Chief Financial Officer – Non-independent
Karen Witts
Chief Financial Officer – Non-independent
Appointed
June 2022
Gender
- Female
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
Karen is a highly experienced Chief Financial Officer with a strong background in finance and management across global retail and consumer-facing businesses. Karen plays an important role in developing and overseeing delivery of our strategic initiatives, driving innovation, and ensuring that we maintain strong operational grip. In addition to leading on financial management, Karen regularly engages with our investors and corporate advisors. Karen chairs the Risk and Resilience Committee, providing oversight of risk management and ensuring the business is operating within our risk appetite.
Past experience
Karen was Chief Financial Officer of Compass Group plc from 2019 to 2021 and CFO of Kingfisher Group plc from 2012 to 2019. Before that, she held various senior finance, strategic and operational roles with Vodafone Group plc (2010 to 2012), and at BT Group plc (1999 to 2010). Karen qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Whinney.
Other commitments
Non-Executive Director of Ipsen Pharma, SA
Ian Bull
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director – Independent
Ian Bull
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director – Independent
Appointed
July 2019
Board Committees
- Audit and Risk Committee (Chair)
- Nomination Committee
- Remuneration Committee
Gender
- Male
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
Ian has over 30 years’ experience as a strategy and finance specialist built from executive and non-executive roles at online and multi-site consumer-facing businesses. He has longstanding plc experience, with a deep understanding of audit practices and risk management frameworks, which enables him to promote open and frank discussions and challenge, as well as ensure strong relationships with management, auditors, and other stakeholders. Ian is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Previous roles
Ian was Chief Financial Officer of Parkdean Resorts Group from 2016 to 2018 and Chief Financial Officer of Ladbrokes plc from 2011 to 2016. He was Group Finance Director of Greene King plc (2006 to 2011), having spent his early finance career at Whitbread PLC, Walt Disney Company and BT Group. Ian is a former Non-Executive Director and Audit Chair of Paypoint Limited, Senior Independent Director and Audit Committee Chair of St. Modwen Properties plc and Chair of Lookers plc.
Other commitments
Senior Independent Director at Domino’s Pizza Group plc and Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at Croda International Plc.
Ajay Kavan
Non-Executive Director – Independent
Ajay Kavan
Non-Executive Director – Independent
Appointed
March 2024
Board Committees
- Remuneration Committee (Chair)
- Audit and Risk Committee
- Nomination Committee
Gender
- Male
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- Asian
Skills and contribution
Ajay is an accomplished business leader with strong digital and retail credentials and experience driving organic growth, strategic partnerships, and M&A. Ajay’s expertise in delivering online and multi-channel propositions, together with his in-depth understanding of operations and relationships from his work as an advisor and mentor, strengthens the Board’s skills as we continue to drive growth across our total retail system.
Previous roles
Ajay was Chief Executive of Matches Fashion from 2020 to 2021 and Vice President at Amazon from 2011 to 2020. Prior to that, he was Marketing and Strategy Director, Homebase at Home Retail Group (2004–2011) and Multi-Channel Director, B&Q at Kingfisher (2000-2004).
Other commitments
Senior Advisor at KKR, member of advisory panel to Piper Private Equity, Non-Executive at Rohlik Group, mentor to CEOs of high growth US/EU digital businesses and Vice Chair of In Kind Direct.
Katharine Poulter
Non-Executive Director – Independent
Katharine Poulter
Non-Executive Director – Independent
Appointed
May 2025
Board Committees
- Audit and Risk Committee
- Nomination Committee
- Remuneration Committee
Gender
- Female
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
Katharine is a seasoned leader with a strong retail background developed through significant experience at large and entrepreneurial consumer-facing businesses. Her expertise in product development, commercial and retail operations and business transformation adds strategic insight and complementary skills to the Board.
Past experience
Katharine was Chief Commercial Officer at Indigo Books and Music Inc. from 2021 to 2024. Before that, she was Chief Executive at Laura Ashley Holdings Plc prior to its sale in 2020. Other roles include Managing Director and Commercial Director at Wilko from 2017 to 2020, Commercial Director at Hobbycraft Limited from 2015 to 2018 and Commercial Director at Dobbies Garden Centres from 2012 and 2015. Her earlier career included roles in other well-known retailers.
Other commitments
Chief Commercial Officer at McCarthy & Stone
Marion Sears
Non-Executive Director and Designated NED for colleague matters – Non-Independent
Marion Sears
Non-Executive Director and Designated NED for colleague matters – Non-Independent
Appointed
July 2004
Board Committees
Nomination Committee
Gender
- Female
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
A long-standing Board Director, Marion brings a wealth of expertise from her extensive City, investment and banking career which included navigating complex mergers and acquisitions. Utilising her significant plc experience and stakeholder understanding, enhanced by her role as the Designated Colleague NED for colleague matters, Marion plays an important role in facilitating informed Board decision-making.
Previous roles
Marion was Dunelm’s Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee from 2006 to 2015 and was Chair of the Nomination Committee until 2016. She had an executive career in the City in investment banking at Flemings, Chase and JP Morgan, prior to which she worked in corporate finance, as an investment analyst and in industry. Marion's previous Non-Executive Director experience includes WH Smith and Persimmon where she chaired the remuneration and ESG committees.
Other commitments
Non-Executive Director at Schroder Asian Total Return Investment Company plc, Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Shepherd Neame Ltd and Director of WA Capital Limited.
Vijay Talwar
Non-Executive Director – Independent
Vijay Talwar
Non-Executive Director – Independent
Appointed
October 2021
Board Committees
- Audit and Risk Committee
- Nomination Committee
- Remuneration Committee
Gender
- Male
Nationality
- Indian
Ethnicity
- Asian
Skills and contribution
Vijay is a proven business leader in driving significant digital and operational transformations. He has broad international executive experience developed at consumer-facing, omni-channel businesses, bringing a different dimension to Board discussions. Further, as a former Certified Public Accountant and CFO, he provides depth to the Audit and Risk Committee’s oversight.
Previous roles
Vijay was Chief Executive Officer of ContextLogic Inc from February to September 2022. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer of Footlocker EMEA from 2019 to 2022 and President of Digital at Foot Locker Inc from 2016 to 2019. Previously, he was President of Gifts/Special Occasions at Sears Holdings (2014 to 2016), held C-suite positions at Blue Nile from 2010 to 2014 and was Chief Executive Officer at William J Clinton Foundation India (2008 to 2010). Vijay was COO for EMEA at Nike from 2002 to 2008.
Other commitments
Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Digital Officer at Avolta AG (formerly Dufry AG).
Dan Taylor
Non-Executive Director – Independent
Dan Taylor
Non-Executive Director – Independent
Appointed
March 2024
Board Committees
- Audit and Risk Committee
- Nomination Committee
- Remuneration Committee
Gender
- Male
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
Dan is an experienced CEO, with a recognised track record of delivering strategic plans to drive growth in digital and consumer-facing brands and leading on M&A and integration programmes, both in the UK and internationally. His experience adds further depth and understanding to Board debate as we continue to evolve our customer proposition.
Previous roles
Dan held senior Executive roles at PaddyPowerBetfair from 2015 to 2020; he was Chief Executive (2018-2020), MD, UK & Ireland (2017-2018) and MD, Retail (2015-2017). Before that, he was Managing Director of Teletext Holidays (2013-2014), Director of Strategy and Commercial Development at DMG Media (2009-2013) and Associate Partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants (2001-2009).
Other commitments
CEO of Flutter International at Flutter Entertainment plc.
Luisa Wright
Group General Counsel & Company Secretary
Luisa Wright
Group General Counsel & Company Secretary
Appointed
November 2022
Gender
- Female
Nationality
- British
Ethnicity
- White
Skills and contribution
Luisa is an accomplished general counsel, company secretary and regulatory advisor, with extensive plc experience built at consumer-facing digital, retail and technology companies. She attends Board and Board Committee meetings, ensures that legal and governance matters are not only anticipated but also considered and addressed, and offers invaluable support to the Board.
Previous roles
Luisa was Group General Counsel & Company Secretary of The Rank Group Plc from 2018 to 2022 and Group General Counsel & Company Secretary of Sportech Plc from 2011 to 2017.Prior to that, Luisa was a private practice lawyer at Olswang LLP (now CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP) from 2000 to 2011. Luisa qualified as a lawyer with Olswang LLP.
Other commitments
None
Bill Adderley
Founder and Life President
Bill Adderley
Founder and Life President
Bill, together with his wife Jean, founded the business in 1979. Although no longer on the Board or actively involved in management, Jean remains a major shareholder.