Matalan CEO Jo Whitfield exits

Matalan Chief Executive Jo Whitfield has stepped down after just over 18 months in the role.

After taking on the position in March 2023, Whitfield is said to be leaving the business to "pursue a portfolio career".

During her tenure, the company said it has made "significant progress" in its turnaround strategy including the reshuffling its leadership team and re-establishing its "value credentials".

"It has been a fast-paced transformational 18 months and I am proud of everything that Matalan has achieved," Whitfield said.

"We have reset the business foundations against a very challenging backdrop, have improved profitability in the first year and developed a strategy to take the business forward. We have fundamentally improved our product offering and re-established our reputation for providing great value and quality for customers.

"We have invested in colleague pay and established a new leadership and executive team to take the business forward. Now feels the right time to pass the baton as the next phase of the transformation continues. I am confident that Matalan will continue to thrive and I wish my colleagues every success for the future."

Whitfield previously served as CEO of the Co-op’s Food division, responsible for the company’s retail, wholesale, online and franchise businesses, as well as the Co-op’s Property division.

Prior to this, she held senior leadership positions at Asda, leading the General Merchandise business and serving as VP for operations, e-commerce and onternational at its fashion brand George.

She was also Head of Finance at Matalan between 2002 and 2008.

The search process for Whitfield’s replacement has already began, with Matalan Chair Karl-Heinz Holland to serve as Executive Chair until a successor is named, according to Retail Week.