Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis is strengthening his senior management team across his Ryman, Boux Avenue and newly acquired Robert Dyas brands.

Theo said, “It is crucial that my businesses have the best talent in the industry.  As well as developing the 3,600-plus work force, I have invested in two new high level appointments to help drive the businesses to the next level.”

Richard Bennett joins as Chief Operating Officer for Ryman.  He reports to Group CEO Kypros Kyprianou (Photo below) who in turn works across all of Theo’s commercial interests. 

Richard was Retail Director at SPAR UK LTD and prior to that worked for 18 years on a variety of roles at Marks and Spencer.  He will lead the stationery chain’s buying, marketing, store operations, logistics, ecommerce and B2B functions.  The Ryman Group achieved profit growth of 17% to £5.5 million in the financial year ending April 2011.

Nadine Jones joins as Group HR Director, responsible for the recruitment and development of the workforce across Ryman, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas.  Nadine, joining from the role as HR Director for the jewellers Links of London, previously worked as Head of HR for Baugur Group, Austin Reed Group and ASDA.  She will also assist Theo as Project Director.

Theo added, “Retail is facing the greatest challenges seen since the industrial revolution.  Only retail businesses with a meaningful proposition and excellent customer service have a chance of survival in the long term.

“I am delighted to welcome Richard and Nadine and look forward to the valuable contribution they will make to Ryman, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas.”

Theo Paphitis is Chairman of Ryman, Owner of the award-winning Boux Avenue lingerie brand and Chairman of Robert Dyas.  His retail brands account for 348 stores in the UK and internationally.