Homewares giant Dunelm has appointed seasoned retail executive Katharine Poulter to its board as a non-executive director, a move that bolsters the company’s leadership during a period of strong commercial momentum.
Effective immediately, Poulter joins the board and will sit on key committees including audit and risk, remuneration, and nomination. The appointment underscores Dunelm’s commitment to strategic growth and governance as it navigates an increasingly competitive retail landscape.
Katharine Poulter brings a wealth of experience from across the retail sector. She is currently the chief commercial officer at McCarthy Stone, a prominent developer and manager of retirement communities. Her previous executive roles span notable high street and lifestyle brands, including Laura Ashley, where she served as CEO, Hobbycraft, Wilko, Dobbies Garden Centre, and Canada’s Indigo Books & Music.
The leadership boost comes on the heels of strong quarterly performance for Dunelm. In its latest trading update, the retailer reported a 6.3% increase in total sales to £462 million for the 13 weeks ending 29 March 2025. The company highlighted robust demand for its new Spring/Summer collections and a significant rise in digital engagement, with online sales now accounting for 41% of total revenue.
With Poulter's appointment, Dunelm aims to leverage her deep industry expertise to support its evolving strategy and further enhance its customer offering both in-store and online.
Dunelm chair, Alison Brittain, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Katharine to Dunelm. I have no doubt that her wide-ranging retail experience will add value as we continue to build on our unique and specialist proposition. Her appointment reflects our ongoing focus on ensuring effective board composition with complementary skills, and I look forward to working with her.”
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