On the Beach Group has announce that Richard Pennycook has been appointed as non-executive chair of the board.

Taking up the role in April, he will also chair the nomination committee.

Pennycook will succeed David Kelly, who has been interim chair of the board and interim chair of the nomination committee since December last year.

Kelly will resume his role as senior independent director and continue to chair the remuneration committee.

Pennycook is non-executive chairman of Howden Joinery Group, a position he has held since 2016 having joined the board as a non-executive director in 2013.

He was previously non-executive chairman of The Hut Group from 2012 to 2018, having worked with the fast-growing technology unicorn in an advisory capacity since 2008.

He went plural after a 30-year executive career that concluded with his position as chief executive of the Co-operative Group, where he served from 2013 to 2017.

Following Pennycook’s appointment, the board will continue to review its structure to ensure it has the appropriate breadth and depth of experience while meeting corporate governance best practice.

Simon Cooper, chief executive of On the Beach, said: “We are delighted to welcome Richard to On the Beach as chair of the board.

“Richard’s extensive experience in both private and public retail and consumer businesses will be invaluable, particularly his work with fast-growing online businesses, as we continue to deliver on our strategy in the UK and internationally.”