Together is our strength
Our leadership team brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, serving as invaluable guides and mentors to every employee. As our company continues to expand, our leaders actively contribute their specialised expertise, enabling us to effectively achieve our key objectives.
lEANNE cAHILL
Chief Executive Officer
Leanne joins BGRP with a wealth of retail and leadership experience built over an impressive career. Starting out on the shop floor at Marks & Spencer, she has gone on to hold senior roles across major organisations including Legal & General, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Travelex - bringing a strong track record in commercial growth, brand development and operational leadership.
Most recently, Leanne led Bravissimo through a period of significant growth, culminating in its successful sale to Wacoal Europe. Her leadership is defined by a clear focus on people, performance and long-term value.
Alongside her executive career, Leanne serves as Chancellor of the University of Sunderland - the first person born and raised in the city to take on the role - reflecting both her roots in the North East and her commitment to supporting future talent.
Her appointment marks an important milestone for BGRP Holdings and signals the start of an ambitious new chapter for the business and its brands.
Favourite product: “I particularly love our kids range at the moment, if only my daughter was still little I would have the Cecilia Cord Sofa in pink in a heartbeat!”
Helen Svensson
HR Director
Helen, a graduate of Lancaster University with a degree in Management and Organisational Behaviour, has a strong track record in HR. After gaining experience in HR roles at various companies, including END. Clothing, TH_NK, and Carrier Rental Systems, she joined Bazaar Group in 2018.
As HR Director, Helen is responsible for leading the company's HR strategy, with a focus on Talent Management and Learning & Development. Her goal is to create an inclusive and diverse work culture that fosters high performance and employee satisfaction.
Favourite product: “I’m a sun worshipper and live for the summer! It’s hard to choose one as my garden is full of Outdoor Recliners and Bazaar Bags which we use for BBQs and summer get togethers. They really make the garden pop with colour and anyone who visits asks about them! If I had to choose, I’d say my fuchsia Bazaar Bag as it’s so versatile, using it as a sun lounger to propping it up as a chair.”
beth hazon
Chief Brand + Product Officer
Beth is a leader in the UK's creative and marketing industry. As former Managing Director of Drummond Central, she gained international recognition for innovative campaigns showcasing the power of reactive social media and human-centric storytelling. Earning features on major platforms like Guardian, Vice and BBC, further cementing her focus on spontaneity, playfulness and prioritising authenticity.
She also served as a trustee for Pregnant Then Screwed, advocating for the rights of working families and addressing workplace discrimination and joined the board of Generator in 2024, a leading North East music development agency, contributing her expertise in branding and creative strategy to support the region’s cultural growth.
Beth's focus on crafting innovative, authentic campaigns aligns seamlessly with Bazaar Group's ambitious growth strategy, particularly in expanding their European presence. Her proven ability to balance impactful storytelling with commercial success will be instrumental in enhancing Bazaar Group's marketing initiatives as they broaden their international footprint
JAMES SIMPSON
Operations Director
James embarked on his professional journey in agriculture before transitioning into a contracting and construction career. During this phase, he demonstrated his expertise in Supply Chain and Planning by effectively contributing to various high-profile projects. Seeking new horizons, James relocated to the North East and ventured into the fields of warehousing and production. It was at Fuda where his passion for the furniture industry flourished, leading him to the role of Furniture Supervisor.
After enjoying several fruitful years at Fuda, James sought a fresh challenge and change of direction, which brought him to Bazaar Group. In his current role, James takes on the crucial responsibility of overseeing the entire operations of Bazaar Group. This encompasses overseeing production processes, dispatch operations, logistics management, facility management, health and safety compliance, and devotedly addressing the needs of our customers.
Favourite product: "I’d usually say the Kenai Cloud giant bean bag, but it has to be the Natalia armchair. It’s the most popular seat in my house and is great for cuddles and reading stories to my boys.”
Graeme chapman
Head of Brand + Marketing
Graeme brings a wealth of experience as the former Global Graphic Design Manager at Barbour, where he cultivated his skills for 5 years before joining BGRP in 2021. His primary focus centers around fostering an environment that enables individuals to express themselves, share captivating stories, and consistently deliver work of the utmost quality.
As the driving force behind both the brand and creative aspects, Graeme is responsible for translating the commercial and marketing objectives of the business into impactful assets.
Favourite product: “I’ve got an icon Oxford Real Leather armchair in my office at home. Perfect for taking a quick break (and occasionally falling asleep!).”
