Former BHS and LK Bennett CEO joins Retail Executives as chairman

Darren Topp, the former CEO of BHS and LK Bennett, has joined specialist fashion and retail recruiter, Retail Executives, as chairman.

Topp will head up the strategic direction, growth of the advisory board and board practice at Retail Executives, which specialises in recruiting senior executives.

He had previously held senior roles at Marks & Spencer, before joining BHS and Outfit (also part of the Arcadia Group) as COO, and was promoted to the position of CEO in 2015.

Most recently Topp was CEO at LK Bennett where he restructured the business before its founder Linda Bennett bought the company back from Phoenix Equity Partners last year.

Retail Executives managing director Richard Hollister, who founded the firm this year having been in recruitment for 28 years, said: "We are delighted that Darren has joined the business, these are exciting times for the firm and Darren is key to its growth. His knowledge of the marketplace, experience at various operating levels, he can understand the issues facing retailers and assist with solutions."

Of his appointment Topp said: "I am delighted to join Retail Executives LTD as Chairman and look forward to working with Richard and the team to build a new type of Executive Recruitment business that’s fit for today’s challenging retail climate.”

Retail Executives says it will be announcing further senior appointments in the coming weeks.