Together is our strength
Our leadership team brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, serving as invaluable guides and mentors to every employee. As our company continues to expand, our leaders actively contribute their specialised expertise, enabling us to effectively achieve our key objectives.
MArk Dolder
Chief Executive Officer
Mark's career began at Marks and Spencer, where he swiftly progressed from a management trainee to holding operational store management roles for 14 years. Eventually, he gained responsibility for overseeing Marks and Spencer's second-largest store and largest region.
Following his time at Marks and Spencer, Mark took on the role of Sales Director at Norweb Retail. Within three years, he successfully grew the business from a £90 million turnover to a robust £270 million turnover, establishing it as the third largest electrical retailer in the UK. Seeking a return to his native North East, Mark then became Operations Director for Edinburgh Woollen Mill, overseeing 300 shops across various sectors.
After leaving Edinburgh Woollen Mill following its sale, Mark ventured into property development and management consultancy. Later, he partnered with Jayne Dolder, to further develop Bazaar Group.
Under the stewardship of Mark, Bazaar Group initiated the first phase of its expansion programme in 2021 when he secured a £10m majority share investment from Comhar Capital, and together have since implemented an ambitious growth plan that includes a European expansion project.
Mark's expertise in operational management, strategic growth, and successful business development initiatives make him a valuable asset to Bazaar Group as we embark on their international expansion journey.
Helen Svensson
HR Director
Helen, a graduate of Lancaster University with a degree in Management and Organisational Behaviour, has a strong track record in HR. After gaining experience in HR roles at various companies, including END. Clothing, TH_NK, and Carrier Rental Systems, she joined Bazaar Group in 2018.
As HR Director, Helen is responsible for leading the company's HR strategy, with a focus on Talent Management and Learning & Development. Her goal is to create an inclusive and diverse work culture that fosters high performance and employee satisfaction.
Favourite product: “I’m a sun worshipper and live for the summer! It’s hard to choose one as my garden is full of Veeva Recliners and Bazaar Bags which we use for BBQs and summer get togethers. They really make the garden pop with colour and anyone who visits asks about them! If I had to choose, I’d say my fuchsia Veeva Bazaar Bag as it’s so versatile, using it as a sun lounger to propping it up as a chair.”
dan pinchard
Sales & Marketing Director
Dan joined Bazaar Group in 2022 as the Sales & Marketing Director. He brings with him a wealth of experience from his 14-year tenure at Mayborn Group, where he held various eCommerce positions and led Pan-EU development.
As the key commercial leader at Bazaar Group, Dan is entrusted with formulating, executing, and delivering the sales & marketing strategic plan. He firmly believes in empowering his team with the freedom to be creative, supported by robust processes and the power of talented individuals.
Favourite product: “At the risk of sounding clichéd, I love all the products. Being put on the spot I would choose the icon Soul Giant Two-Seater, where I can watch any and all kinds of sport in comfort with the kids (& wife).”
beth hazon
Independent Director
Beth is a leader in the UK's creative and marketing industry. As former Managing Director of Drummond Central, she gained international recognition for innovative campaigns like #DrummondPuddleWatch showcasing the power of reactive social media and human-centric storytelling. Earning features on major platforms like Guardian, Vice and BBC, further cementing her focus on spontaneity, playfulness and prioritising authenticity.
She also served as a trustee for Pregnant Then Screwed, advocating for the rights of working families and addressing workplace discrimination and joined the board of Generator in 2024, a leading North East music development agency, contributing her expertise in branding and creative strategy to support the region’s cultural growth.
Beth's focus on crafting innovative, authentic campaigns aligns seamlessly with Bazaar Group's ambitious growth strategy, particularly in expanding their European presence. Her proven ability to balance impactful storytelling with commercial success will be instrumental in enhancing Bazaar Group's marketing initiatives as they broaden their international footprint
duncan smith
Chief Financial Officer
Duncan is an Economics graduate from Lancaster University. He has Extensive financial management experience gained from roles at Robson Rhodes (now part of Grant Thornton), Dalgety Spillers Petfood, Yoplait Dairy Crest, and 18 years at Greggs. Duncan led the strategy and business development initiatives, including overseeing the trial and roll out of Just Eat home delivery at Greggs. He transitioned to the energy infrastructure sector with M Group before joining the Bazaar Group Board of Directors in November 2023.
At Bazaar Group, Duncan serves as the CFO, overseeing Finance and IT operations while driving efforts to enhance financial performance throughout the Pan-European casual furniture business. Duncan is excited to be part of a company with immense potential for growth. He looks forward to expanding the feel-good product range and cultivating strong relationships with both new and existing customers across Europe and beyond.
Favourite product: “I have the yellow icon Dolce Lounger at home and really love it. It’s comfortable and looks stylish in the corner of the lounge. I will be adding to the collection over time!”
JAMES SIMPSON
Operations Director
James embarked on his professional journey in agriculture before transitioning into a contracting and construction career. During this phase, he demonstrated his expertise in Supply Chain and Planning by effectively contributing to various high-profile projects. Seeking new horizons, James relocated to the North East and ventured into the fields of warehousing and production. It was at Fuda where his passion for the furniture industry flourished, leading him to the role of Furniture Supervisor.
After enjoying several fruitful years at Fuda, James sought a fresh challenge and change of direction, which brought him to Bazaar Group. In his current role, James takes on the crucial responsibility of overseeing the entire operations of Bazaar Group. This encompasses overseeing production processes, dispatch operations, logistics management, facility management, health and safety compliance, and devotedly addressing the needs of our customers.
Favourite product: "I’d usually say the icon Cloud giant bean bag, but it has to be the icon Natalia armchair. It’s the most popular seat in my house and is great for cuddles and reading stories to my boys.”
Graeme chapman
Head of Brand & Creative
Graeme brings a wealth of experience as the former Global Graphic Design Manager at Barbour, where he cultivated his skills for 5 years before joining Bazaar Group in 2021. His primary focus centers around fostering an environment that enables individuals to express themselves, share captivating stories, and consistently deliver work of the utmost quality.
As the driving force behind both the brand and creative aspects, Graeme is responsible for translating the commercial and marketing objectives of the business into impactful assets.
Favourite product: “I’ve got an icon Oxford Real Leather armchair in my office at home. Perfect for taking a quick break (and occasionally falling asleep!).”
jess moore
Head of Online Trading
Jess's educational background includes studying International Business Management in Newcastle, where she had the opportunity to gain international experience through study abroad programs in Hong Kong and South Korea. During her time abroad, Jess actively participated in a joint venture between the Korean government and private investors, which aimed to establish a multi-store retail complex that integrated retail and education. Her involvement in this project allowed her to gain valuable insights into merging different industries and developing innovative business strategies.
With a diverse range of experiences in both online and physical retail across the UK and East Asia, Jess possesses a deep understanding of multichannel operations. In 2017, she joined Bazaar Group and assumed the role of driving the multi-year channel growth plan. Jess plays a vital role in scaling the business across the UK and international markets, ensuring strategic expansion and continued success.
Favourite product: “The icon Kenai Cloud (the giant faux fur one!). Mainly because of the reaction when people walk into your living room and see it – they are always like “What. Is. That.” I bought one of these at the start of 2020 and basically lived on it throughout the COVID-19 lockdown – it’s a supreme nap location!”