Former Bravissimo CEO Leanne Cahill has been named as the new CEO of the North East headquartered homeware company The Bazaar Group, now trading as icon.
Leanne began her career on the shop floor at M&S before moving on to Legal & General, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Travelex. Leanne joined lingerie retailer Bravissimo in 2017 and was appointed CEO in 2020. Having developed the business, she led the company through a trade sale to Wacoal Europe in 2024. Leanne is also serving Chancellor of the University of Sunderland, the first chancellor to be born and raised in the city and an alumni of the university.
Leanne’s appointment marks the full transition for founder/CEO Mark Dolder to non-executive director.
icon founder Jayne Dolder says: “The search for our new CEO was exacting, and we’re so thrilled to have found someone like Leanne, who can bring deep levels of retail experience to us at what is a crucial and exciting time in our evolution.
“Our brand transition from Beanbag Bazaar to icon marks our dedication to creating a more diverse and considered homewares brand that customers will get to know and trust for comfort in the home. I’m so pleased that Leanne, a fantastic role model for all women in business, will be taking forward the company that I started from a kitchen table 20 years ago.”
Leanne comments: “I am delighted to join the team at icon as we embark on our next chapter. I’ve been so impressed with the talent, ambition and clear strengths of the business and can’t wait to work with everyone to leverage the growth opportunities ahead. It’s an exciting time for icon and for the North East too – it feels great to be here.”
Craig Wilkinson, non-executive chairman, adds: “We’re really pleased to have secured Leanne for this role. Her background, skills and pedigree make her a very fitting replacement for Mark as he transitions into his non-executive role. The business has been growing strongly since opening its European manufacturing and distribution hub in September 2022 and we’re excited to work with Leanne as she builds on this success.”
