Meet our Team

At the helm of AIS and member of the AIS Board, Sue leads the strategic direction and strives to drive success for the membership. Sue is a prominent retail expert with over 30 years’ experience at a senior level within customer-centric global businesses including Merlin Entertainments, LEGOLAND and Marks and Spencer. Sue is also a member of the Advisory Board for Diversity in Retail.

As an AIS Board member, Susan leads the finance and CENPAC operation for AIS, utilising her wealth of senior financial experience built up across the retail sector, including HMV. Susan is also a non-executive director of Birmingham Bank Ltd.

Darryl Simpson, has been ratified as the new Chair, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Having worked within the membership since 1986 (38 years), previously in Director roles at Oldrids, Downtown and Hills, Darryl will guide the strategic direction and governance of AIS, ensuring that the organisation continues to provide exceptional value and support to its Members.

Jim is Managing Director at Reeds Homestores. A family run business specialising in furniture and homeware based in the picturesque West Norfolk market town of Downham Market.

Edward the third generation of the family to join Roys board of directors and run the company. Based in Norfolk and Suffolk, the 126-year-old company continues to go from strength to strength.

Sam, the fifth generation of the family to work at Walker & Ling (Est 1892). Sam’s particular focus has been to bring contemporary high street brands, men’s and ladies’ fashion, lingerie and handbags, into the store

Robert, fourth generation of the Lee family at Lee Longlands (Est 1902). Robert joined as the Finance Director before following in his father’s footsteps with a passion for buying, furniture and rugs as Merchandising Director.

As the previous Managing Director of the 253-year-old CT Baker Group, Carl has led a multi-million-pound rebuild. He has also helped grow the buying team significantly - modernising the product assortment and leveraging his supplier network so they’re fit for today’s consumers.

Tracy is a fourth generation of Harveys’ (Est 1926) who joined in 1988. Tracy worked at Esslemont & Mackintosh in Aberdeen before spending a year at AIS. Since returning, Harveys have physically expanded and completely transformed their portfolio of brands.

Martyn, fourth generation of the family, joined Arthur Llewellyn Jenkins in 1980. He has helped in its expansion to two showrooms in Swansea and Cardiff. Martyn has been joined by his children, Miranda and Oliver, in running the business.

Sarah is Managing Director and furniture buyer at family-owned business Arighi Bianchi & Co Ltd (Est. 1854). Based in Macclesfield, Arighi Bianchi is now the longest-running family-owned furniture business in the UK. Sarah worked for Rt Hon Sir Edward Heath, MBE MP, in his Private Office at the House of Commons, before returning to the family business.

At the helm of AIS and member of the AIS Board, Sue leads the strategic direction and strives to drive success for the membership. Sue is a prominent retail expert with over 30 years’ experience at a senior level within customer-centric global businesses including Merlin Entertainments, LEGOLAND and Marks and Spencer. Sue is also a member of the Advisory Board for Diversity in Retail.

As an AIS Board member, Susan leads the finance and CENPAC operation for AIS, utilising her wealth of senior financial experience built up across the retail sector, including HMV. Susan is also a non-executive director of Birmingham Bank Ltd.

Jane directs the event strategy for AIS, INDX Trade Shows as well as Cranmore Park Conference and Exhibition Centre. This involves planning, creating, and delivering 50 days of trade shows a year, as well as leading the sales and business development for all events held at the home of AIS. Jane has led her own business events company and has created and developed successful event and exhibitions around the globe working with companies like SAP, Hewlett Packard, ROYAL CANIN and Denso.

Guy overseas the people strategy for the organisation including supporting the independent sector in attracting and retaining a diverse and inclusive talent pool. Guy is a Chartered Fellow of CIPD and has led HR teams for over 20 years including Warwick Castle, Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds and LEGOLAND.

With over 20 years of homewares buying experience and having previously held Buying Manager roles at Next, Sainsburys, and Debenhams, Rachel joined AIS to head up the Homewares Division in 2016.

George is responsible for the marketing and communications strategy across the AIS portfolio of brands to ensure Members are supported, INDX trade shows succeed, and our profile grows. George has worked across retail, leisure, and education developing brand strategies for over 30 years including Debenhams, Warwick Castle, Bullring Birmingham, and the University of Leicester.

Having previously been Group Commercial Director at Bensons, Emma joined AIS in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of industry expertise. Emma has also spent time at Leekes, Furniture Village, and Shop Direct.

With a diverse property portfolio that includes over 40,000 square metres of event and conferencing space, Ceri’s expertise lies in facilities management, catering and hospitality, and infrastructure, with a very clear focus on sustainability and efficiency. Ceri previously worked within facilities at RNIB.

Richard brings over 20years' experience across retail and hospitality, working with well known brands from New Look, Whitbread, and Debenhams.

Devlin brings over 20 years of experience to AIS, including Disney, Mothercare, and Merlin Entertainments - with expertise in leading buying and design teams as well as constructing and developing ranges across multiple product categories.

With over 20 years’ experience working within senior leadership teams at companies including Amtico, Merlin and IBM, Shannon’s focus is Project Management, leading Internal Communications as well as championing Employee Engagement and all things Culture.