Matalan COO Phil Hackney exits after three years

Matalan Chief Operating Officer Phil Hackney has left the fashion retailer after three years with the business, with a new role lined up later this month.

Hackney joined Matalan in June 2023 as Chief Supply Chain Officer before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer in February 2026.

Announcing his departure on LinkedIn, Hackney said it had been an “amazing experience” leading the transformation of Matalan’s systems and operational areas, adding that he had enjoyed “working with some brilliant people, and having some fun along the way”.

Hackney is taking a couple of weeks away from work before starting his new role, although he has not yet revealed where he will be moving. Matalan has not yet announced his replacement.

A Matalan spokesperson told TheIndustry.fashion: “Phil made a significant contribution to Matalan during his three years with the business. He helped strengthen important capabilities across technology, operations, supply chain, logistics and sustainability, while also supporting our wider transformation journey. We would like to thank Phil for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

The retailer confirmed that Hackney decided earlier this year that it was the right time for him to leave the business.

Before joining Matalan, Hackney spent more than 15 years in senior operational and supply chain roles. He was Chief Operating Officer at The Very Group from February 2016 to May 2022 and Logistics Director at Pets at Home from February 2007 to February 2016.

He began his career at Boots in 1988, where he worked as logistics operations manager until 2000.

In his LinkedIn post, Hackney thanked former Matalan CEO Jo Whitfield for bringing him into the business, as well as outgoing CEO Henrik Nordvall and members of the retailer’s executive team.

He also thanked his wider team and said he would “look on with real interest” as Matalan continued its transformation journey.

Hackney’s departure comes as Matalan continues to invest in a multi-year transformation programme. In March, the retailer secured a further £25 million commitment from its core investors to accelerate store upgrades and investment in its product and digital offer, following 30 store refurbishments completed in 2025.