Fenwick appoints Morleys chief as new CEO

Fenwick has today announced Nigel Blow, currently CEO at London-based department store chain Morleys, as its new Chief Executive Officer - effective from October 2024.

Current Fenwick CEO John Edgar is leaving the business after four and a half years at the helm.

Sian Westerman, Fenwick Chair, said: "John Edgar is stepping down as CEO of Fenwick as part of a reorganisation of our executive leadership team and wider changes to the management structure of the company.

"Over the past four and a half years John has successfully steered the business through the Covid-19 pandemic, launched our online proposition, enhanced and expanded our restaurant business, focused on the development of key stores, including a Masterplan project in Newcastle and significant improvements to the Kingston store.

"We appreciate John’s contribution to the business and wish him every success for the future.

"We are excited for Nigel to join us, bringing with him a wealth of retail experience - including his current role as CEO of Morleys, and we know he is ready to help lead Fenwick into the next stage of its growth."

Prior to joining Morleys in 2016, Blow held a number of other senior roles including Managing Director at Turnball & Asser, CEO and then Chairman of Arnotts, CEO of Brown Thomas and 15 years as Chief Merchant at Harrods - from 1992 to 2007.

The appointment of Blow as CEO of Fenwick is the latest in a long list of recent transformation for the business, which sold its Bond Street store last year to re-invest in its Newcastle flagship and digital strategy, as well as expanding in other areas including its restaurant offering.

Fenwick is the UK’s largest family-owned group of department stores in the UK, with eight stores located around the country and a strong online presence.