Mamas & Papas appoints new CEO following impressive Christmas trading

Nathan Williams, who helped transform Mamas & Papas as COO, has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

In his new role at the British nursery brand, Williams will lead the company’s plan to expand into new and existing international markets.

Following roles at Very and Primark, he joined Mamas & Papas in 2018 as Merchandise Director. He later became COO in 2020. As Williams steps into his new role, current CEO Mark Saunders will become Executive Chairman.

Mark Saunders, Executive Chairman of Mamas & Papas, commented: "Having helped design and deliver our turnaround strategy over the past three years, Nathan is ideally placed to lead the business during this next period.

"As a business, we have an unprecedented opportunity to grow our scale and share. I'll be working closely with him, the rest of the executives and our shareholders to help realise the ambition we've set for the business."

Williams helped to lead the company’s concession rollout with NEXT and Marks & Spencer in the UK, transforming the business. He was also a key player in turning an £6 million loss to a profit of more than £11 million.

Earlier this month, the Huddersfield-based company reported year-on-year sales grew 16% in the two months leading up to Christmas day and registered a record-breaking Black Friday.

Nathan Williams, Chief Executive at Mamas & Papas, added: "We've built excellent momentum in the past few years in all areas of the business, from our store footprint to our digital offering, from our product to our purpose and from our domestic market to our overseas partnerships.

"With the continuing support of our investors and with Mark as Chairman, I'm looking forward to delivering our long-term growth strategy and fulfilling our goal of being the most accessible nursery brand with an unrivalled commitment to its customers. This means more concessions, more international trade, and further investment in our brand, product, communities, and colleagues as we aim to become the global nursery brand of choice."