Bedroom furniture and accessories retailer Forty Winks has announced the appointment of David Edwards as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately.
The role has been vacant since the former CEO, Con Dekazos, left the business in August 2016 after two years with the company.
Edwards has more than 30 years’ experience in retail, including management roles at Myer and with The Laminex Group. After Laminex was acquired by Fletcher Building, Edwards worked in New Zealand for three years as the CEO of Fletcher Distribution.
After returning to Australia Edwards joined Mitre 10, where he worked his way up to general manager of strategy – building products.
Edwards said in a statement that he was excited to lead Forty Winks, which has recently expanded its retail footprint across the country.
“Independent business owners are the backbone of Australian retail, so I look forward to working closely with our dedicated franchisees across the country to achieve growth and success,” he said.
Paul Amos, chair of the Forty Winks board of directors, said Edwards is the right person to lead the brand into the future.
“We are confident that we have welcomed a passionate leader with a team approach, who understands that the strength of any franchise group starts with ensuring that the committed franchisees, the lifeblood of the brand, are performing to their best ability,” he said.
Forty Winks has 97 stores operating nationally, with a presence in every state and territory.
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