The Houlden Group Appoints Denise Mclaughlin as Managing Director
04 Mar 2026
The Houlden Group is delighted to announce the promotion of Denise McLaughlin to the role of Managing Director, marking a significant and well-supported leadership evolution for the luxury jewellery membership organisation.
Denise steps into the position following more than 17 years with Houlden, most recently serving as Chief Operations Officer. Over that time, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operational strength, Supplier Partner relationships and Member engagement strategy, becoming a respected and trusted figure across the Houlden community. She has also been instrumental in harnessing and developing the strength of the Houlden team, fostering a culture of collaboration, capability and shared purpose that will continue to underpin future success.
Denise has been part of the senior leadership team during a period of significant evolution for Houlden, as the organisation has strengthened its position, delivering measurable value for the community of independent jewellers. Throughout her tenure, Denise has been instrumental in strengthening the Houlden infrastructure, evolving its events portfolio and enhancing collaboration between Members and Supplier Partners.
Her appointment reflects both continuity and momentum - a natural progression built on extensive sector knowledge, long-standing relationships, and a clear vision for the future of independent luxury retail.
As Managing Director, Denise will lead the next phase of Houlden’s strategic evolution, focused on refining its insight-led model, enhancing Member support, strengthening Supplier partnerships, and ensuring that Houlden remains agile in an increasingly dynamic retail landscape.
Her promotion has been met with unanimous support and encouragement from the Houlden Board, the Senior Management Team, and the wider Houlden team – reflecting the confidence and trust she has built across every level of the organisation.
Denise McLaughlin spoke on her appointment saying,
“I am incredibly proud to step into the role of Managing Director at such an exciting point in our evolution. Houlden has always been a powerful community built on passion - passion for excellence, innovation and helping our Members thrive - and it has been a privilege to be part of that journey.
“As we look ahead, our focus is clear: driving Member profitability, delivering strong ROI for our valued Supplier Partners and strengthening the resilience of Houlden in an everchanging luxury retail landscape. That means embracing newness, championing fresh thinking, harnessing the power of data and continuing to develop the talent within our exceptional team. I feel fortunate to have learned from some of the most respected leaders in our sector, and I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead. Together, we will move forward with confidence, unity, and a strong belief in what we can achieve as one community.”
Commenting on the appointment, the Houlden Board said,
“Denise’s direction, commercial understanding and commitment to our Members and Supplier Partners make her the natural choice to lead Houlden into our next chapter. Her appointment reflects both her contribution over the past 15 years and our confidence in her vision for the future.”
Under Denise’s leadership, Houlden will continue to strengthen its collaborative model enhancing shared insight, refining operational excellence and ensuring Members are equipped not only to compete, but to thrive within the evolving luxury landscape.
This appointment signals stability, clarity of direction and a shared ambition to build an even more connected, commercially effective future for the entire Houlden community.
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Source: The Houlden Group