After 42 years in the KBB industry, the MD of one of the UK’s largest luxury bathroom retailers has announced his retirement.
Paul Rowland (pictured), who has been the MD of CP Hart for 22 years, will retire next July. The search for his successor is underway and a replacement is expected to be announced early in the New Year.
Rowland began his KBB-career with B&Q in 1982. He joined Magnet in 1988 where he chalked up 15 years’ service, rising to sales director until it was acquired by Nobia in 2001. Magnet had bought the CP Hart business from the Hart family several years earlier and the new owners gave him the MD’s role, tasking him with turning the business around.
Under Rowland’s two-decades of leadership and guidance, CP Hart has gone from a business turning over £15 million to £50m and five showrooms has grown to 15.
Recognising his contribution to the KBB industry, Rowland was awarded the prestigious Special Achievement Award at this year’s kbbreview Retail & Design Awards.
Reflecting on his time in the KBB industry and his career with CP Hart, Paul Rowland told kbbreview: “I’ve spent 42 years in the KBB industry, and it just feels like the time to wind down. It’s the right time for the CP Hart business too. There’s a new set of kids coming through with fresh ideas, new skills, and drive and I think CP hart will benefit from a different way of thinking.
“I’m going to miss CP Hart. It might sound a bit cheesy, but CP Hart really gets into your heart. We’re a family and I’ll miss the business and every single person that works across it. Obviously, I’ll miss the KBB industry too.”
CP Hart was established in 1937 and currently has 15 showrooms, including its flagship showroom in London’s Waterloo which celebrates its 50th anniversary next month, and a dedicated contracts division. It was acquired by merchant group Wolseley in August 2022 as part of its drive to expand its bathroom business into the premium sector.