Homebase Head of Information Technology Paul Cannon departs for new adventure outside of retail sector

Paul Cannon has left Homebase, a home improvement retailer and garden centre with stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland, where he spent almost six years, joining as Head of Information Technology before taking on the role of Director of Information Technology.

Cannon’s CV also includes stints as Head of Retail IT at Wickes and Business Development Systems Manager/Store Technology Proposition Manager at B&Q.

In a LInkedIn post, dated Friday, 31st May, he said: “So this is my last week at Homebase, and what a five and half years it’s been. I leave behind such a phenomenal team, who have delivered so much and made the business so much better and easier to be part of.”

He added: “Thanks you to everyone that has made it so much fun, and thank you to my team for being absolutely incredible and thank you for the most random but brilliant leaving gift ever, ensuring that I won’t ever forget you all. My next adventure in a completely different industry starts on Wednesday!”

Homebase Head of Information Technology Paul Cannon departs for new adventure outside of retail sector

Also on the move

C&C Group, an Irish manufacturer, marketer and distributor of alcoholic drinks, has appointed Carole Kingsbury as its new CTO.

Last year, Kingsbury departed Ted Baker, where she served as Director of IT, with plans to take some time out. “Not often we get the opportunity to take a break in our world,” she told RTIH at the time.

She joined the company in 2019 as Head of Project Delivery, before taking on the role of Head of Business Solutions in 2020, and then Director of IT in 2022.

At the time of her departure, Ted Baker was cutting head office jobs following its acquisition by Authentic Brands Group.

The latter had outsourced Ted Baker stores and its e-commerce site to retail management business AARC in April.

In a LinkedIn post, Kingsbury said: “Four years and three months ago I walked in through the Lobster emblazoned doors of UBB into what felt like a secret world. I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I knew it wouldn’t be ordinary or dull. Fast forward to today and I can confirm there has indeed never been a dull moment.”

“As Dorothy would have said – “there’s nowhere quite like Ted.” From shopfloor to head office front door, the 24 carat golden thread running through the DNA of Ted is its people! Whether that be in the form of a colleague or customer it’s about what they have invested in the business in terms of heart, loyalty and skill.”

She added: “It has been a privilege to work alongside and learn from the many people in our business – you are all amazing and have shown great courage and professionalism over the past few months navigating the uncertainty and ambiguity following the acquisition.”

“It has been a true honour to be able to lead the IT team - you are all in the truest sense of the word – exceptional!”

“You have through the good, and not so good times, pulled more rabbits out of hats, herded cats and knitted fog than I’ve seen anywhere else and done so with such professionalism, dignity and pride even when completely exhausted.”

Kingsbury also thanked those who had shared the journey, including Wunderman Thompson Commerce & Technology, BigCommerce, Bloomreach, MuleSoft, Adyen, Boston Consulting Group, and Avalara.

She concluded: “Ted’s DNA is now set to evolve and grow under Authentic Brands Group supported by our new operating partners PDS, OSL Retail Services and AARC Group. Ted Baker truly is no ordinary brand, run by no ordinary people and I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to be a part of it.”