Sam Husain joined Foyles as Chief Executive back in 2007, and today it’s been announced that he will be retiring in April. Husain achieved great results in the role, with Foyles winning Bookseller of the Year in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013, and Children’s Bookseller of the Year in 2012. The bricks and mortar book retail market has been under tremendous challenge in recent years but, despite this, he has steered the business through five consecutive years of profitable trading.

‘What Foyles has continued to achieve is inspirational. It’s an exciting business doing exciting things. When you think how a really excellent bookshop should be, you think of Foyles.’ said the judges of the 2013 Bookseller of the Year award; ‘Sam has been invaluable to Foyles’ continuing renaissance. His leadership has made the past eight years exceptional, culminating in a superb Christmas at our new flagship store and across the business, and news of an exciting new opening in Birmingham. I have enjoyed working with Sam enormously. I’m looking forward to welcoming Paul Currie to Foyles and benefiting from his extensive experience in the retail sector,’ says Christopher Foyle, non-executive Chairman of Foyles.

‘The almost eight years I have been CEO of Foyles have been enjoyable and fulfilling. The staff, managers and management team are committed and second to none and are now led by a capable and proven CEO. I believe the company is in excellent hands and in a good position to grow further and benefit from opportunities that arise,’ comments Husain.