13 February 2024

DIYblinds, a leading disruptor in the window furnishings industry, announces the appointment of Peter Mitchley-Hughes as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the evolution of its leadership team. Co-founder Evan Montero will take on the role of Chief Growth Officer, and co-founder Liam Dobson will continue as a Director, providing strategic guidance to the business. The new leadership team is set to drive an ambitious growth strategy for DIYblinds, including expanding its new division, HomePro.

Founded in 2015 by Montero and Dobson as a side hustle, DIYblinds has continuously outperformed market trends, achieving double-digit growth and becoming an industry leader. Entering a new growth phase, the founders determined it was the right time to appoint a professional CEO to further their expansion. Mitchley-Hughes was appointed after an extensive search, led by Independent Chair Marina Go and supported by the board, for his impressive track record leading retail businesses and digital transformation.

Mitchley-Hughes brings unique and invaluable experiences to the role. At Bunnings, he spearheaded the digital and data revolution, building their market-leading e-commerce solution. He also led B2B Trade, giving him deep insights into the requirements of tradespeople and builders, a key demographic of DIYblinds’ HomePro division that offers tailor-made solutions for customers, trade, architects, and designers.

“This is a great opportunity to build on the vision of Evan and Liam. The growth they achieved provides an amazing platform to explore new markets and expand our internal capabilities so we can fully realise the potential within this dynamic business,” he said.

“As a customer myself, I admired DIYblinds' disruptive influence, so much so I could not resist the opportunity to lead this incredible business where we can utilise new technologies to meet and exceed our customer’s ever-changing needs,” Mitchley-Hughes added.

Montero, in his role as Chief Growth Officer, will leverage his extensive industry experience and network to shape and lead the growth strategy. “With a seasoned executive of Peter’s calibre at the helm, it opens new horizons for DIYblinds and HomePro. Liam and I are excited to have Peter by our side to drive the business’s further market expansion,” Montero affirmed.

Go shared her enthusiasm for the dynamic partnership stating: “The appointment of a leader like Peter is a significant milestone for DIYblinds. It allows Evan and Liam to play to their strengths. I am confident that this new leadership team will catapult the business from its roots as an innovative startup to a formidable force in the online retail sector,” she said.

The scale-up of the business and investment in executive talent follows the Australian Business Growth Fund (ABGF) coming on as a minority investor in 2022. Backed by the Federal Government and six leading banks, part of its initial investment was to unlock the next growth phase and support the expansion of HomePro.

Liv Tully

Head of Brand
liv@diyblinds.com.au
0497853132

DIYblinds makes buying window furnishings easier and faster, by providing consumers access to Australian-made, designer fabrics at affordable prices.

Founded in 2015 by Evan Montero and Liam Dobson, DIYblinds is the product of their shared entrepreneurial spirit. DIYblinds introduced innovative solutions and disrupted the conventional approach to the window furnishing industry.

DIYblinds has experienced remarkable growth and is now a market leader with expansion into Queensland and New South Wales and the addition of HomePro. With a dedication to customer service, DIYblinds won the Product Review Award for Blinds and Shutter Shops in 2024, marking its fifth consecutive win.

In October 2022, DIYblinds secured a significant $15 million investment from the Australian Business Growth Fund (ABGF), underscoring its potential for continued innovation and growth.