Sunderland-based furniture and floorings retailer ScS Group announced that John Walden will join its board on March 1, 2023, as independent non-executive director and non-executive chair designate.

The intention is that Walden will become non-executive chair on November 30, 2023, when Alan Smith retires.

“John is currently Non-Executive Chair of Motorpoint plc and SnowFox Topco Ltd, the Guernsey topco responsible for Yo Sushi and other sushi related business in the UK and North America,” said ScS.

“John has held a number of senior roles including Chair of Naked Wines and Chair of Holland & Barrett International.

“John was previously Executive Director at FTD Companies and CEO of Argos and its parent company Home Retail Group plc.

“Prior to this he held several senior roles with Best Buy Co. including Executive Vice President and President of the internet division.”

Smith said: “I am delighted that John is joining the ScS board and will, in time, succeed me as chair of the group.

“He brings deep board level expertise in both executive and non-executive capacities, has excellent consumer driven and omnichannel experience, and has led transformational and digital change, both in the UK and US. John will be a great addition to the ScS team.”

Walden said: “I am pleased to be joining the board at ScS. The business is a leader in its sector, and is operationally excellent with a strong balance sheet, solid board and leadership team and an opportunity and plan for improvement and growth. I look forward to working with the ScS team.”