NorthEdge-backed Lights4fun, one of Europe’s leading e-commerce retailers of decorative lighting, has appointed a new Chair and CFO, as it enters its next phase of growth which includes expansion in the US.
David Stern joins as the business’ first Chair. Stern was formerly Global CEO of bath, body and hair care brand Crabtree & Evelyn and now sits as Non-Executive Chair for Bleach London and Duke & Dexter.
Originally from New York with experience in digital marketing roles in America, Stern’s network in the States will play a key role in Lights4fun’s growth in the US, assisting with the sales and operational aspects of the expansion.
Meanwhile Amman Boughan joins the business as Chief Financial Officer. Amman previously held senior financial positions at Harrogate-based energy company CNG and Sky Betting & Gaming.
Kieran Eblett, Managing Director, says: “We couldn’t have found two better appointments than David and Amman.
“David’s experience and knowledge of the American market has already allowed us to tap into his extensive network of contacts over there, which has really helped with our expansion in the States.
“Meanwhile Amman’s former position at Sky Betting & Gaming, a large successful digital business based in West Yorkshire, means he is well-placed to work alongside myself and NorthEdge on Lights4fun’s next phase of growth.”
Both appointments come during a period of strong growth for Lights4fun, which saw sales increase 35 per cent year-on-year in 2020.
The business secured investment from NorthEdge in November last year to grow its international presence and has recently expanded its US operations as a result. The e-commerce business launched an American website in May this year, having set up a dedicated team in New York.
Lights4fun has been selling its products in the States on Amazon since 2016, but launching its own American website means it can broaden its product range from 150 items to more than 600.
Eblett says: “Having our own website and a dedicated team in the American market gives us more control over how we engage with customers and the products we sell.
“Events throughout the year from the Super Bowl to St Patrick’s Day, Cinco De Mayo and Thanksgiving mean there is a huge market in the States for products like ours – so it makes sense for us to expand our presence there.”
Ligths4fun has already appointed a US General Manager and is currently recruiting for two additional members of staff.
James Marshall, Investment Director at NorthEdge, says: “We’re only six months into our partnership with Lights4fun but Kieran and his team are already making strong progress. We’ve got two high quality appointments in David and Amman and the US expansion means we’re making huge strides in establishing Lights4fun’s international presence.”
