Rob Parker has announced he is leaving the business less than two months after its biggest investor called for a leadership review following a slump in sales

Britain's Topps Tiles said on Wednesday its Chief Executive Officer Rob Parker would retire after 18 years with the tile retailer, after it reported a 4.6% jump in group sales in the first quarter, sending shares up as much as 8%.

Topps Tiles posted a robust start to the year on Wednesday, as it confirmed veteran chief executive Rob Parker would step down.

The boss of Leicester-based Topps Tiles is set to step down after 18 years with the firm. Rob Parker, who joined Topps in 2007 and was CFO for 12 year before taking over as CEO in 2019, is set to retire when the search for a successor has been completed – thought to be nearer the end of this year.

Investing.com -- Topps Tiles in a stock exchange filing on Wednesday said that Rob Parker, its Chief Executive Officer, would retire following an 18-year tenure, of which five years were as CEO. Parker plans to remain in his position until a successor is appointed, which is expected towards the end of 2025.

Topps Tiles surpassed expectations in the final weeks of 2024 as the retailer made progress with efforts to boost professional trade sales.