Primark, a leading figure in high street fashion, has announced the appointment of Nigel Jones as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
- Jones brings over 25 years of experience from Tesco, where he held several key roles, including retail director and UK commercial director.
- He succeeds in expanding Tesco’s geographic presence in the 1990s and developing the Tesco Extra format.
- At Whitbread, he oversaw operations and transformation, enriching his expertise in international business.
- His new role at Primark involves oversight of technology, supply chain, logistics, and business transformation.
On July 15, 2024, Primark, renowned for its innovative approach to fashion, announced the appointment of Nigel Jones as its new Chief Operating Officer. Jones, who marked his career with extensive experience from Tesco, prepares to bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic prowess to Primark’s executive team.
Jones’s illustrious career at Tesco encompassed over 25 years, starting in 1991 as a store manager. His various roles have honed his capabilities in retail, logistics, and commercial management. Notably, he served as retail director, UK fresh food distribution director, logistics director for the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the UK commercial director for general merchandise and clothing. His strategic initiatives are credited for expanding Tesco’s reach into Eastern Europe, notably Poland and Hungary, and for pioneering the Tesco Extra hypermarket format.
Prior to joining Primark, Jones was part of Premier Inn-owner Whitbread, where he contributed as the group operations and transformation director. His role there further solidified his aptitude for managing and transforming large-scale international operations. His transition to Primark reflects his readiness to leverage his experience in technology and supply chain management.
In his new role at Primark, Jones will oversee the company’s technology initiatives, as well as its supply chain and logistics operations, which are crucial for maintaining Primark’s competitive edge in the fast-paced retail market. His focus will also include driving business transformation, a pivotal aspect as Primark continues to expand its global footprint across its 17 active markets.
Paul Marchant, Primark’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for Jones’s appointment, highlighting Jones’s vast experience in international operations. Marchant stated, “Nigel joins us with a wealth of experience of running international operations of significant scale across multiple markets including the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia.” The CEO emphasized the strategic advantage that Jones’s expertise in transformation, technology, supply chain, and logistics would bring to Primark.
Jones himself voiced his excitement about joining the globally recognized retailer, acknowledging Primark’s powerful presence and continuous growth within the fashion industry. “I’ve always been struck by the continual growth of Primark and the influence it holds as a leader in the industry,” he said. His excitement underscored his commitment to spearheading efforts that will drive Primark’s future growth and success.
Nigel Jones’s appointment as COO is poised to significantly bolster Primark’s strategic initiatives and global operations.
