Jones Bootmaker appoints new head of design

British footwear retailer Jones Bootmaker has appointed Barbara Paleka Lucas as head of design. Her appointment follows on from the recent addition of Sarah Davies as chief product officer.

Pakela Lucas has 12 years' experience in the footwear industry and counts brands such as Kurt Geiger, Dune Group, Liz Claiborne, All Saints and Hunter Boot among the names on her CV. She said of her appointment at the 160 year-old business: "I look forward to setting up a new vocabulary at Jones Bootmaker - a storied brand with a fascinating and untapped history," she said. "As the first retailer in London to fit electric lighting, we will harness that pioneering spirit and energy for future collections.”

Reporting to Sarah Davies, her position as head of design involves overseeing team of men's, women's, children's and accessories designers and her first collection for Jones will be for the Autumn 18 season.

"Barbara joins us with excellent credentials and experience in the premium footwear sector and we are delighted that she has joined our team. Her skills will be instrumental in our continued drive to improve the Jones Bootmaker product offer," said Jones Bookmaker chief executive David Short.