ASOS names ex-Amazon Fashion and Google exec as new Chair

ASOS has today announced a major shake-up of its board leadership, with Natasja Laheij set to take over as Chair following the company’s FY25 year-end results.

Laheij, who joined the board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in April 2023, will succeed Jørgen Lindemann, who will step down at the end of his current term after a handover period.

Laheij currently serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and Senior Independent Director. Her appointment marks a significant move for ASOS as it continues to navigate ongoing transformation efforts. She brings three decades of international commercial and financial experience, having previously held senior roles at Amazon Fashion Europe and Google EMEA.

William Barker, who joined the ASOS board in September 2023, has also been appointed Deputy Chair with immediate effect. Barker is the Founder and CEO of US-based investment firm Camelot Capital Partners, a major ASOS shareholder. The newly created Deputy Chair position will support the Chair and Management Committee on matters of strategy, culture, and operational delivery. Notably, Barker will continue to waive all board fees associated with the role.

As part of the board reshuffle, Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez will succeed Laheij as Senior Independent Director. A formal process is also underway to identify a new Audit Committee Chair.

José Antonio Ramos Calamonte, ASOS CEO, said: "I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Jørgen, whose support has been invaluable to ASOS throughout his tenure on the Board. I look forward to working closely with Natasja given her extensive governance experience, and with William given his knowledge of ASOS and operational expertise as we continue to execute our strategy."

Jørgen Lindemann, ASOS Chair, added: "It has been a privilege to serve on the ASOS Board over the last four years, throughout an incredibly important period for the business.

"I have valued the ASOS Board and Natasja, William and José's insights and oversight during this time, and I am confident that we have the right leadership to deliver sustainable, profitable growth."

Lindemann has served as Chair since August 2022 and was first appointed to the board in November 2021, overseeing a turbulent period marked by restructuring efforts, strategic refocusing, and supply chain optimisation.