08 October 2021
Buying group Associated Independent Stores (AIS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Rackley as its new Director of Furniture and Home. Emma will replace Julian Cox, who will be moving on at the end of the year.
“I am delighted to be joining AIS, a unique organisation with a well-established roots in the industry, I have admired what they do for many years so it is a real honour to now be part of it.
I am particularly looking forward to meeting the members and getting to know their businesses in more detail.”
Emma Rackley, Director of Furniture and Home
Emma has a wealth of industry experience, having most recently held the position of Group Commercial Director at Bensons, as well as time spent at a number of key retail brands including Leekes, Furniture Village and Shop Direct.
“Furniture and Home are very important categories to AIS and its members, so we’re delighted that Emma has joined AIS, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry to continue the sterling work of Julian Cox, who regretfully resigned from the business earlier this year.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Julian for his commitment, professionalism and the value that he added thoughout his time with AIS. Emma will work with Julian for the remainder of the year, getting to know the business, meeting members and suppliers”.
Sue Kemp, Managing Director AIS
In other changes within the Furniture and Home department Rebecca Maloy and Rachel Brown have taken up new roles following the departure of Gary Thompson.
After two-and-a-half years looking after AIS' cabinet division, Rebecca will now also take control of the buying group's beds division, while Rachel will manage upholstery while retaining responsibility for sofa beds and garden furniture.
www.aistores.co.uk