Appointments – Retail Gazette https://www.retailgazette.co.uk Business Intelligence for Retail Leaders Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:24:24 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RG-Logo-03-150x150.png Appointments – Retail Gazette https://www.retailgazette.co.uk 32 32 General Mills names Erasmo Nuzzi as UK and Ireland managing director https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/06/general-mills-names-erasmo-nuzzi-as-uk-and-ireland-managing-director/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/06/general-mills-names-erasmo-nuzzi-as-uk-and-ireland-managing-director/#respond Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:22:55 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=205867 General Mills has appointed Erasmo Nuzzi as managing director for its UK and Ireland business.

Nuzzi, who first joined the food giant in 2003, brings more than 20 years of international food industry experience to the role.

He will lead the company’s largest market within its Europe, Australia and North Asia unit.

Most recently, Nuzzi served as platform and channel marketing director for General Mills’ North America Food Service division, where he led strategy, innovation and execution across a portfolio of brands and channels.

Prior to that, he was managing director for General Mills’ European Distributor Markets and General Mills Iberia between 2015 and 2022.

During his tenure, General Mills Spain became the fastest-growing food company in the country, according to Nielsen data.

Nuzzi has worked across some of General Mills’ biggest global brands, including Old El Paso, Häagen-Dazs and Nature Valley, across Europe, Latin America and North America.

General Mills vice president and managing director for Europe, Australia and North Asia Ben Pearman said: “Erasmo is a fabulous and highly experienced commercial leader and I’m delighted to have him leading the UK, one of our largest and most important markets within our General Mills international business.”

Nuzzi added: “I am very excited to be back in Europe to lead the UK and Ireland business.

“In my two decades at General Mills, I have had the opportunity to help grow some of the world’s best-loved food brands across the world including many other Northern European markets, so super excited to be working on brands such as Old El Paso, Nature Valley and Häagen-Dazs once again.

“The UK and Ireland is a hugely important business for General Mills, with strong brands, talented teams and significant opportunities ahead.

“I look forward to working with our colleagues and customers to build on that momentum and continue delivering great food experiences for consumers across the region.”

Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills generated fiscal 2025 net sales of $19bn.

The company first entered the UK in the 1960s and sells six brands across the market, including Old El Paso, Häagen-Dazs, Green Giant, Nature Valley, Fibre One and Betty Crocker.

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Currys names shop-floor veteran as new boss as Baldock exits for Boots https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/06/currys-names-shop-floor-veteran-as-new-boss-as-baldock-exits-for-boots/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/06/currys-names-shop-floor-veteran-as-new-boss-as-baldock-exits-for-boots/#respond Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:31:22 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=205773 Currys has promoted company veteran Fredrik Tonnesen to chief executive, replacing Alex Baldock as he prepares to take the top job at Boots.

Tonnesen, who currently leads Currys’ Nordics business, first joined the electricals retailer 20 years ago as a sales assistant.

He went on to become managing director for Norway, before taking on the role of chief operating officer for the Nordics and later chief executive of the division in 2023.

Currys said Tonnesen, whose division accounts for around 40 per cent of group revenue, had delivered “outstanding financial and operational performance”, more than tripling operating profits while improving colleague and customer satisfaction scores.

Currys chair Ian Dyson said: “Fredrik has huge experience inside the business and has led an extremely impressive operating performance improvement over the last three years.

“He understands our customers, our colleagues and our culture from the inside, and brings the right combination of clarity, energy and leadership to take Currys forward.”

Baldock announced in March that he would step down after eight years at Currys to lead Boots ahead of a potential £7bn London stock market flotation.

He joined Currys in 2018 from Shop Direct, now The Very Group, following the difficult merger of Dixons and Carphone Warehouse, which later rebranded as Currys.

During his tenure, Baldock sought to simplify the group, selling its Greek operations, cutting debt and pushing harder into online sales.

Since his appointment, online sales have grown from less than 10 per cent of turnover to more than 40 per cent, while Currys has cut debt by £900m and returned to profitable growth.

Berenberg described Tonnesen’s promotion as a “strong internal appointment”, adding that it was a “natural and positive development” given his two decades at the business.

Panmure Liberum analysts said the appointment signalled continuity for a strategy “set out and delivered by Alex Baldock”, while bringing Tonnesen’s “vast retail experience and perspective to the UK”.

Currys expects profit before tax for the year to come in at around £191m. The retailer is due to publish its full-year results on 2 July.

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Charles Tyrwhitt appoints Rebecca Howat as managing director in leadership shake-up https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/06/charles-tyrwhitt-appoints-rebecca-howat-as-managing-director-in-leadership-shake-up/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/06/charles-tyrwhitt-appoints-rebecca-howat-as-managing-director-in-leadership-shake-up/#respond Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:23:42 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=205770 Charles Tyrwhitt has promoted chief operating officer Rebecca Howat to managing director as part of a leadership shake-up at the Jermyn Street shirt maker.

The move follows a recent restructure at parent company Bectin, which saw former Charles Tyrwhitt chief executive Luke Kingsnorth become group chief executive of the business, which also owns The White Company.

Charles Tyrwhitt has renamed Kingsnorth’s previous chief executive title as managing director.

Howat has worked at the retailer for nearly 13 years, having joined in 2013 from Arcadia Group as head of merchandising.

She has since held several senior roles across merchandising, supply chain, the contact centre and third-party sales channels, before becoming chief operating officer in 2020.

Kingsnorth said Howat “knows Charles Tyrwhitt inside out, brings huge commercial and operational experience, and has a real understanding of what it takes to lead the business”.

Howat said she was looking forward to “leading the business into its next chapter”.

Charles Tyrwhitt was founded in 1986 by Nick Wheeler while he was studying at the University of Bristol, after becoming frustrated by the cost of good-quality shirts.

The retailer opened its first store on Jermyn Street in 1997 and has since grown into one of the UK’s largest founder-led, privately owned retailers.

It now employs more than 1,100 people across 43 UK stores, 12 stores in the US and around 40 franchise locations worldwide.

Bectin also owns The White Company, the upmarket homeware and clothing retailer founded by Wheeler’s wife, Chrissie Rucker.

Group turnover at Bectin rose five per cent to £637m in its latest financial year, according to Companies House.

However, performance across its two brands was mixed. Charles Tyrwhitt’s profits doubled to £42.8m as sales rose 13 per cent to £347m, while profits at The White Company fell from £20.3m to £2.2m and turnover dropped 4 per cent to £290m.

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Ray Kelvin’s Sealskinz promotes Richard Edmonds to chief executive https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/06/ray-kelvins-sealskinz-promotes-richard-edmonds-to-chief-executive/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/06/ray-kelvins-sealskinz-promotes-richard-edmonds-to-chief-executive/#respond Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:32:12 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=205610 Sealskinz has promoted Richard Edmonds to chief executive as outgoing boss Ian Blackman steps back after more than a decade with the outdoor clothing brand.

Edmonds joined the business in 2023 as chief marketing and digital officer before becoming chief operating officer in July 2025.

Prior to joining Sealskinz, he co-founded running underwear brand Runderwear, where he served as chief executive and later as an adviser.

Sealskinz, which is owned by Ted Baker founder Ray Kelvin, has been led by Blackman for the past three and a half years. He had previously served as chairman of the business.

Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Blackman said the time had come to “make way for the brand’s next chapter” and hand over the reins.

“It has been the honour to lead this incredible brand and team through its transformation into the modern, agile business it is today,” he said.

“To say we’ve seen an immense amount of change would be an understatement, but I leave feeling incredibly proud of the platform we’ve built and the team that is now ready to fuel its future growth.”

Blackman said Edmonds had played a central role in driving Sealskinz’s recent digital and commercial strategy.

“I am so incredibly pleased to share that Richard Edmonds will be stepping up as our new CEO,” he said.

“Over the last 2.5 years, he has been the engine behind our digital growth and global sales strategy. He has a clear, ambitious mission for Sealskinz, and he has my and the board’s fullest support.”

Sealskinz is known for its waterproof outdoor accessories and apparel, including socks, gloves and hats, serving customers across cycling, running, hiking and other outdoor activities.

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H&M’s new CIO officially takes role, leaving Inditex https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/hm-inditex-cio/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/hm-inditex-cio/#respond Thu, 28 May 2026 07:41:24 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=205351

H&M Group’s new chief information officer Diego Teijeiro Ruiz has officially started in the role, following his appointment earlier this year.

Teijeiro Ruiz joins the fashion giant from Zara owner Inditex, where he spent two decades in senior technology and data roles.

Most recently, he served as global chief data and analytics officer at the Spanish retail group.

Confirming the move on LinkedIn, Teijeiro Ruiz said: “After 20 years at Inditex, I feel grateful to every person I’ve worked with along the way. I’ve learned so much from all of you.

“Thank you for your trust, kindness, and support. Tomorrow, I begin a new adventure at H&M Group with excitement and great respect for everything the company represents.

“To my new colleagues at H&M Group, I look forward to meeting you, learning from you, and working together.”

The move comes as Inditex continues to expand its UK retail footprint, with Stradivarius and Pull&Bear opening neighbouring stores at Meadowhall in Sheffield.

The launches mark a Yorkshire first for both brands and take Inditex’s presence at the shopping destination to more than 70,000 sq ft, adding to its existing Zara and Bershka stores.

Pull&Bear has opened a 13,000 sq ft store on Meadowhall’s Lower Level High Street, featuring menswear, womenswear, teen clothing, accessories and footwear.

The shop includes the brand’s latest design concept, aimed at creating a more contemporary retail environment and improving the customer experience.

Next door, Stradivarius has opened a 9,000 sq ft flagship store showcasing its womenswear ranges.

British Land retail leasing director Richard Crowther said: “Stradivarius and Pull&Bear are compelling additions to our retail mix.

“They enhance the breadth of our fashion offer and again prove Meadowhall’s regional dominance, with two more Yorkshire debuts for international brands.

“Meadowhall reaches 20 per cent of the UK’s population, and refreshing our tenant mix with exciting international names such as these means we are providing that vast catchment with access to an unrivalled collection of the best brands.”

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Skims appoints Judy Genovese as senior director of retail EMEA https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/skims-appoints-judy-genovese-as-senior-director-of-retail-emea/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/skims-appoints-judy-genovese-as-senior-director-of-retail-emea/#respond Tue, 26 May 2026 07:21:24 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=205180 Skims has appointed Judy Genovese as senior director of retail EMEA as the Kim Kardashian-founded shapewear brand continues its international store expansion.

Genovese joins the business from StoreForce and has previously held roles at Ralph Lauren and Victoria’s Secret.

Confirming the appointment on LinkedIn, she said: “Thrilled to share that I’m joining Skims as senior director of retail EMEA.

“Skims is a brand with real momentum, and the EMEA expansion is just getting started. There’s a lot to build, and I’m eager to be leading the retail team doing it.”

She added: “Genuinely couldn’t be more excited. Thanks to all who supported me on the journey to get here. You know who you are, and I’m so grateful.”

The appointment comes as Skims prepares to open its first standalone UK store this summer.

The retailer has signed a ten-year lease for a 12,000 sq ft site at 245-247 Regent Street in London, taking over the former Ted Baker flagship.

The store will mark a major step in Skims’ EMEA expansion, as the brand looks to build its physical retail presence across the region.

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Currys boss Alex Baldock tipped to take Boots CEO role ahead of potential £7bn float https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/currys-boss-alex-baldock-tipped-to-take-boots-ceo-role-ahead-of-potential-7bn-float/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/currys-boss-alex-baldock-tipped-to-take-boots-ceo-role-ahead-of-potential-7bn-float/#respond Thu, 14 May 2026 06:38:58 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=204382 Outgoing Currys chief executive Alex Baldock is reportedly set to become the next boss of Boots, as the pharmacy and health and beauty retailer prepares for a possible return to the London stock market.

Retail industry sources told Sky News that Baldock’s appointment is expected to be announced later this spring.

It comes after Currys revealed in March that Baldock would step down after eight years leading the electricals retailer to take up “a new external position”.

If confirmed, Baldock would take the helm at Boots at a pivotal moment for the business, with Sky reporting that he could lead the retailer through a potential multibillion-pound stock market listing.

Analysts cited by Sky suggested Boots could be valued at between £5bn and £7bn if it lists as a standalone company, with a London float regarded as the most likely outcome should owner Sycamore Partners decide to sell or demerge the business.

Boots’ former parent company, Walgreens Boots Alliance, was previously listed in New York before being taken private by Sycamore Partners in 2025.

Baldock has led Currys since 2018, overseeing a turnaround of the retailer and steering the business through a challenging period for the electricals market.

Shares in Currys were down 0.5 per cent at 123p in London on Wednesday afternoon following the report.

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Jollyes appoints Adam Dury as CEO, unveils five-year growth plan https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/jollyes-appoints-adam-dury-as-ceo-unveils-five-year-growth-plan/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/jollyes-appoints-adam-dury-as-ceo-unveils-five-year-growth-plan/#respond Tue, 12 May 2026 07:30:40 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=204264 Jollyes Pets has formally appointed Adam Dury as chief executive, as the pet retailer pushes ahead with its five-year expansion strategy.

Dury, who became CEO-designate in October 2025, initially joined Jollyes as chief operating officer in January last year.

He previously spent five years as chief commercial officer at Card Factory and was a member of its group operating board. Before that, he held commercial roles at Tesco and Marks & Spencer.

The pet retailer also confirmed the permanent appointment of Gary Temple as chief financial officer, following a 12-month interim assignment in the role.

Dury’s leadership team now includes Temple, chief marketing officer Sean McGinty, chief people officer Claire Goldenberg, commercial director Anne Galloway and retail and supply chain director David Stokes, who recently joined the business.

His appointment comes as Jollyes launches a five-year growth strategy aimed at strengthening its position in the UK pet market and bringing the brand to more customers.

The retailer, which currently trades from 120 stores, last month identified more than 160 towns and cities across Great Britain where it would like to open new shops over the next five years, subject to suitable sites becoming available.

Jollyes has opened four stores so far in 2026, launching in Blackpool, Ponders End, Hartlepool and Whitehaven.

It will open its next store in Lincoln on 15 May, followed by Kidderminster on 29 May, Yeovil on 19 June and Derby on 10 July.

Jollyes chairman Andy Bond said: “Adam has run the business with clarity and purpose over the past six months, and I’d like to thank him for his commitment, energy and leadership.

“The board has been impressed with the progress made under his guidance, and we’re delighted that he’ll continue to lead the business into its next phase.”

Dury said it was a “real privilege” to lead the business as it begins its next stage of growth.

“We have a unique and exciting opportunity to bring Jollyes to more pet parents over the next five years, bringing our special combination of value, expertise and exciting pet ranges to more customers than ever,” he said.

“With customer expectations of pet care rising, Jollyes will introduce fresh pet food ranges, making nutrition more accessible through outstanding value.”

Earlier this year, Jollyes began rolling out Simply Jollyes, which it described as the UK’s lowest-priced own-label pet range. The range spans essential pet food and accessories and is designed to help households manage the cost of pet ownership without compromising on quality.

Jollyes has almost doubled its UK store estate over the past three years as it looks to strengthen its position as a challenger brand in the pet retail market.

The business was named one of The Sunday Times’ best big companies to work for in 2024 and won the Retail Week Award for Head Office Heroes in 2025 following its raw frozen food rollout.

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Paul Smith names Zia Zareem-Slade as managing director https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/paul-smith-names-zia-zareem-slade-as-managing-director/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/paul-smith-names-zia-zareem-slade-as-managing-director/#respond Mon, 11 May 2026 08:25:03 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=204195 Paul Smith has appointed Zia Zareem-Slade as managing director as it aims to push ahead with its digital and commercial transformation.

Zareem-Slade joins the business from fine jewellery brand Annoushka, where she served as chief executive and led its growth strategy, expanded wholesale distribution and accelerated digital development.

She has also held senior roles at Fortnum & Mason, Hauser & Wirth and Selfridges, spanning commercial leadership, customer experience, digital transformation and brand strategy.

Paul Smith said the appointment reflected founder and chairman Sir Paul Smith’s personal commitment to the ongoing evolution of the brand.

Zareem-Slade will focus on digital acceleration, commercial performance and customer experience as the independent British fashion house looks to build on its heritage while strengthening its modern retail offer.

During her time as customer experience director at Fortnum & Mason, Zareem-Slade led the transformation of the luxury retailer’s digital proposition during a period of sustained growth.

She also oversaw the launch of new retail destinations at Heathrow Terminal 5, The Royal Exchange and St Pancras International.

At Hauser & Wirth, she served as chief creative officer, leading global creative, marketing and digital teams. She also championed Art for Better, an online auction that raised $4.6m for the UNHCR.

Zareem-Slade said: “Paul Smith is one of the last truly independent British fashion houses, and that independence runs through everything the business does; the creativity, the wit, the refusal to follow.

“I am looking forward to working with the team here to build on that foundation and to accelerate what the brand can do digitally and commercially.”

Sir Paul Smith added: “I’ve always believed that the best businesses are built on curiosity and originality. Zia gets that. I’m looking forward to what we’ll do together.”

Paul Smith executive chairman Ewan Venters said Zareem-Slade brought “a valuable combination of commercial, digital and creative expertise”.

“She has a wealth of experience in delivering growth for important, brand-led businesses, and she will undoubtedly play a key role in the continuing success of Paul Smith,” he said.

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Pret hires former Lidl buying boss to lead supply chain https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/pret-hires-lidl-supply-chain/ https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/05/pret-hires-lidl-supply-chain/#respond Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:09 +0000 https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/?p=204100 Pret A Manger has appointed former Lidl GB buying chief Stefan Porter to the newly created role of Chief Supply Chain Officer as the food-to-go chain accelerates its global growth plans.

Porter joins Pret from Azzurri Group , owner of brands including ASK Italian, Zizzi and Coco di Mama, where he served as group commercial director overseeing purchasing, supply chain, ESG, quality and technical operations.

Prior to that, he spent eight years at Lidl GB, most recently as senior buying director, leading multiple buying divisions and managing strategic supplier relationships within the discounter’s UK business.

In his new position, it is understood Porter will oversee Pret’s supply chain, logistics, buying, technical and sustainability functions globally, as well as helping drive the food-to-go giant’s global ambitions.

“I’m excited to welcome Stefan to Pret,” said Pret CEO Pan Christou.

“With his strong commitment to food quality, combined with his deep industry expertise and commercially minded approach, I believe he will be a great asset to us as we continue to grow the brand.”

Porter added that he was ” excited to be joining the Pret team and supporting their ambitious plans.

“I’ve long been a customer and fan of Pret’s freshly made food and coffee and I look forward to bringing my skills, passion and experience to the business at this period of growth.”

The appointment comes as Pret continues to expand across travel hubs, franchised locations and new store formats, including its recently launched first-ever drive-thru site in Warrington.

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