Lovehoney names Sarah Warby as new CEO

Sexual wellbeing brand and online retailer Lovehoney has appointed ex-Sainsbury’s and Heineken marketing director Sarah Warby as its new CEO.

Lovehoney, which was founded by journalist Richard Longhurst and DJ Neal Slateford in 2002, has grown revenues to more than £100m. Warby will lead Lovehoney on its next phase of growth following the acquisition of a majority stake by Telemos Capital in 2018.

Longhurst and Slateford will step down from the day-to-day running of the business, but will remain as directors on the Lovehoney board alongside Philippe Jacobs and Jacob Polny from Telemos Capital.

Commenting on her appointment, Warby said: “Lovehoney is a company with an enviable brand reputation both in the industry and with its customers. I’m excited to be part of the next chapter of this amazing growth story and believe we can fulfill Lovehoney’s ambitions for global category leadership.

“I’m looking forward to joining and getting to know the many talented people that have helped Lovehoney achieve its impressive growth so far.”

Longhurst and Slateford added: “When we started Lovehoney 17 years ago, we never imagined it would grow to be a £100m turnover business and help so many people around the world have more fun in the bedroom.

“We’re thrilled that Sarah is joining Lovehoney to take the business to the next level. Having someone with her quality and breadth of experience is a real asset to our company and we look forward to watching Lovehoney develop further under her leadership.”