243
Fashion Jobs
L'OREAL GROUP
Head of Advocacy & Influence - l’Oréal Dermatological Beauty - Copenhagen
Permanent · COPENHAGEN
ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES
District Manager (Funen/Jutland)
Permanent · AARHUS
ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES
Handelselev Med Speciale i Digital Handel - E-Commerce
Permanent · COPENHAGEN
ZIZZI
Online Buyer Til Fashion
Permanent · BILLUND
SAMSOE
Logistik Koordinator
Permanent · GLOSTRUP
ONLY
Business Controller
Permanent · BRANDE
ONLY
International Sales Manager
Permanent · BRANDE
JACK & JONES
Konstruktører, Jack & Jones og Jjxx
Permanent · BRANDE
BEST SELLER
Environmental Programme Coordinator
Permanent · KØBENHAVN K
BEST SELLER
Product Owner - Data-Driven Solutions & ai
Permanent · AARHUS
SELECTED FEMME/HOMME
Sales Representative
Permanent · BRANDE
L'OREAL GROUP
Key Account Relationship Specialist
Permanent · COPENHAGEN
SAMSOE
Business Controller (Sql And Data Analytics Specialist)
Permanent · COPENHAGEN
ACE & TATE
Optometrist Copenhagen i NY Østergade
Permanent · COPENHAGEN
VERO MODA
Business Controller
Permanent · AARHUS
VERO MODA
Buyer | Curve
Permanent · AARHUS
ONLY
Demand Planner
Permanent · BRANDE
L'OREAL GROUP
Supply Chain Graduate - l’Oréal Luxe Product Division - Copenhagen
Permanent · COPENHAGEN
KERING EYEWEAR
Kering Eyewear - Lindberg Junior Trade Marketing Manager
Permanent · AARHUS
ESPRIT
Area Manager Multilabel Nordic Women
Permanent · COPENHAGEN
ZIZZI
IT Operations Manager
Permanent · BILLUND
TJX EUROPE
Buying Coordinator
Permanent · COPENHAGEN
Published
Mar 7, 2018
Reading time
2 minutes
Download
Download the article
Print
Text size

Shop Direct reaches outside of fashion sector for new CEO

Published
Mar 7, 2018

One of the biggest jobs in UK fashion has gone to… a top executive from the gambling sector. Shop Direct has named Henry Birch to run the group, replacing interim CEO Derek Harding and ultimately replacing the well-respected Alex Baldock who left earlier this year.


Shop Direct/Veryexclusive


Until now he’s been CEO of Rank Group but the changeover won’t happen immediately with Birch set to join later in the year. Rank said that he has given 12 months' notice and will remain in his current role for now “to ensure an orderly handover.” It didn’t say when he gave notice.

In his current role, his main experience will have been running gambling venues from the firm’s Mecca Bingo clubs to its Grosvenor Casinos in the UK and Europe.

And before this he ran William Hill Online for four years, another gambling business. But significantly he launched its mobile business while he was in that role.

So what’s the thinking behind talking a new chief executive with no fashion or related retail experience? Shop Direct chairman Aidan Barclay said: “Henry is an experienced CEO and an exceptional leader. From both Rank Group and William Hill Online, he brings a track record of reshaping businesses to become more customer-focused, data-driven and technology-enabled while simultaneously driving outstanding financial performance.”

And that’s key because e-tail businesses today are increasingly based on technology and data, regardless of their product categories. They also need to be regularly refreshed to face the disruptive rivals and technologies that are turning much of what we know about fashion retail on its head.

Harding will continue to run Shop Direct until Birch arrives and will then go back to being the group’s CFO.

The news about the new CEO comes after a turbulent period for the company. Although among the most successful e-tailers, its attempt to sell itself last year was derailed by the tough environment that meant potential bidders weren’t prepared to pay the premium price the controlling family wanted.

And Baldock’s departure (he’s currently CEO-designate of electricals retailer Dixons Carphone) was followed in recent days by news that Matt Dixon and Zoe Matthews, its group product director and group fashion director, are leaving to pursue other opportunities. Matthews is leaving to join Asda and will be in charge of the George brand.

Copyright © 2024 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.