Ex-ASOS sustainability chief Simon Platts joins circular start-up RE-UP as CEO

Former ASOS Responsible Sourcing and ESG Director Simon Platts has joined start-up RE-UP, which offers a workable solution for circularity and end of life management for retailers.

Platts takes on the role of CEO and Co-founder at the business, which was founded by entrepreneur Tom Grafton and also boasts British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush as a board adviser, along with former Fat Face and Crew Clothing chairman Clive Beharrell.

RE-UP offers a 360-degree SaaS platform for brands and retailers to power their circular programmes, from resale and recycling, and preparing them the circularity regulation that is currently sweeping across the EU.

Platts is one of the best known sustainability executives in the fashion retail business and was with online fashion giant ASOS for almost 10 years and formerly held senior roles with Blacks Leisure Group and NEXT.

He said of his decision to join RE-UP: "During my time in the industry, most recently leading sourcing and sustainability at ASOS, finding viable and future focused solutions for recovery, take-back and recycling was really important.

"Whilst there were many options, I felt none were quite meeting the needs of now and more importantly the future. RE-UP achieves this. Therefore, having the opportunity to join RE-UP is fantastic and I can’t wait to get started to lead the circular transformation of the fashion industry."

Board adviser and British Fashion Council CEO, Caroline Rush commented. "I am delighted to see Simon join RE-UP. His deep understanding of the industry’s challenges will help further shape RE-UP into the industry-wide solution we need.”

Fellow board adviser Beharrell added: "I am delighted that Simon is joining RE-UP as joint Founder with Tom. Simon's enormous retail experience in fashion and in particular his focus on recycling and sustainable sourcing whilst at ASOS and Next will be invaluable. RE-UP is absolutely the right solution for retailers and their customers tackling ESG.

"I have watched the evolution of its SAAS circulatory platform over the last 12 months. It is uniquely placed to make the process easy and affordable for retailers and as importantly will engage consumers in a way that will enhance retention and repeat purchase."

Grafton has been working on the development of the RE-UP platform for the past year and is expected to reveal some of the major retailers who have been working with the platform in the coming months. He said of the coup in landing Platts as CEO: "I’m delighted to have Simon – one of the UK’s leaders and most respected voices in sourcing and sustainability take on the mantle of CEO – to join us on this very exciting journey as we tackle one of the most important issues in the retail market and provide the bespoke solution that retailers have been looking for."