Book and craft retailer The Works has announced the appointment of Nick Wharton as independent non-executive director and as chairman of the audit committee.

Wharton is a qualified chartered accountant with extensive experience in senior finance and leadership roles across the consumer industry.

He previously served as chief executive at homewares retailer Dunelm for three years before stepping down in 2014.

Wharton has also worked as chief financial officer at Pepco Group, Superdry and Halfords Group.

Additionally, Wharton has substantial governance knowledge and currently serves as a non-executive director and audit committee chair at drinks manufacturer AG Barr plc, Oriflame Investment Holding plc and housing provider Mears Group plc.

As part of the board's succession planning, The Works said Wharton will replace Harry Morley who intends to step down as senior independent non-executive director.

"I am pleased to welcome Nick to the board,” said Steve Bellamy, chair of The Works. “Nick has very relevant sector and plc experience, and I am confident that the business will benefit from his expertise as we continue to capitalise on growth opportunities, deliver our strategic priorities and increase shareholder value."

Last month, The Works announced that its pre-tax profit had jumped by 20.3 per cent to £8.3 million in the year to 4 May.

It attributed this to improved customer campaigns which drove footfall to its stores.

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