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 tile specialist said that like-for-like sales for the fourth quarter were 8.2 per cent lower year-on-year, despite trading levels "remaining stable"

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 reported a return to sales growth during the golden quarter driven by trade demand, while its chief executive Rob Parker announced his retirement from the firm after five years at the helm.

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