Matalan takes bold steps to reinforce its senior team, aiming to align with its strategic goals.
- James Dorling appointed as director of property to optimize Matalan’s UK store network.
- Keith Down joins the board as a non-executive director, chairing the audit committee.
- Karl-Heinz Holland expresses excitement over new hires, highlighting their relevance to strategy.
- Jo Whitfield exits her role as CEO, marking significant leadership changes at Matalan.
Matalan has made decisive moves to reinforce its senior team, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing its strategic objectives. James Dorling has been named the new director of property, tasked with ensuring the optimization and forward-thinking management of Matalan’s extensive network of over 220 UK stores. His experience in property management and leadership from reputable organizations such as Gymshark, Wilko, Walgreens, Walmart, and Tesco positions him as a valuable asset in driving the company’s wider transformation strategy.
Keith Down, with a solid background in retail and finance, has joined Matalan’s board as a non-executive director and will also chair the audit committee. Following Paul Copley’s departure, Down’s insights from leadership roles at organizations like Selfridges Group, Dunelm, Tesco, and Topps Tiles will infuse ‘valuable expertise’ into Matalan’s governance. His continued presence on the boards of Tortilla and Topps Tiles complements his new responsibilities at Matalan, adding a breadth of experience to the leadership team.
Executive chair Karl-Heinz Holland commended the appointments, highlighting the relevance of Dorling’s and Down’s expertise to Matalan’s strategic aims. Holland expressed enthusiasm about the contributions these experienced leaders will bring as the company focuses on executing its strategic plan. Holland also acknowledged the significant influence of Paul Copley during his tenure, particularly in his role as chair, as the company navigated through its restructuring phase.
The leadership reshuffle comes in the wake of Jo Whitfield’s decision to step down from her position as CEO after an 18-month period marked by notable progress in Matalan’s turnaround strategy. Under Whitfield’s leadership, the company not only redefined its top team but also worked towards reaffirming its value credentials, paving the way for long-term strategic initiatives.
Matalan’s strategic appointments and leadership changes underscore its commitment to strengthening its team and advancing its strategic objectives.
