Topps Tiles appoints Paul Forman as chair designate

Tile specialist Topps Tiles said on Thursday that it has appointed Paul Forman as an independent non-executive director and chair designate.

Forman will replace Darren Shapland, who is stepping down after nine years in the role due to corporate governance code.

Topps said Forman will join the board of directors on 1 July to allow for an orderly transition of responsibilities, and he will succeed Shapland as chair at the start of the company’s new financial year on 1 October, at which point Shapland will retire.

The company said Forman is an experienced director of both listed and private equity-backed businesses, gained in a variety of executive and non-executive roles. His experience includes chief executive roles at three FTSE 250 businesses: Essentra, Coats and Low & Bonar. He is also a former non-executive director of Brammer.

Forman is currently senior independent director at Tate & Lyle and chair designate at private equity-backed flavours and fragrances business FSI.

Shapland said: "His strong track record, both as a PLC executive and non-executive, will be of great benefit to Topps as the business builds on its market leadership position and continues to develop and expand in the years ahead."