Matalan names former M&S exec Richard Price as adviser

Matalan has today confirmed Richard Price, former Managing Director of Clothing, Home & Beauty at Marks & Spencer, as an adviser to the business as it continues to deliver its transformation and growth strategy.

Price, who held the MD role at Marks & Spencer for almost five years, from July 2020 to May 2025, is one of the UK's most experienced clothing retail leaders, with a career spanning more than three decades.

He was CEO of Tesco’s F&F Clothing from June 2015 to July 2020 and, prior to that, was Managing Director of BHS, Trading Director at M&S, and Merchandise Manager at NEXT, where he spent almost 16 years. Price also recently joined N Brown Group as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

In his role with Matalan, Price is now working closely with the executive and product teams as the retailer’s transformation strategy continues at pace.

Price said: “Matalan has a combination of strengths that gives it a significant opportunity: a highly recognised brand, millions of established customers and genuine affection for the business.

“What I've seen since working with Matalan has reinforced my confidence in the direction it’s taking. The business has already made significant progress in strengthening the proposition and modernising Matalan, and customers are responding positively.

“I’m seeing stronger, more contemporary product, refreshed stores creating a more inspiring environment, and investment in omnichannel, including the launch of Matalan’s new app.

“What’s particularly interesting is the headroom that remains. Matalan doesn't need to introduce itself to the UK customer. The opportunity is to give a large and established customer base more reasons to choose Matalan, more often, with product that excites them and an experience that works around how they want to shop.

“Having spent much of my career in clothing retail, I know how powerful the combination of stronger product and better execution can be when you already have that scale and customer reach. There’s real momentum in the business and significant opportunity still ahead.”

Karl-Heinz Holland, Executive Chair of Matalan, added: “I am pleased to have Richard working with Matalan as an adviser. He brings exceptional product, trading and retail experience, as well as the independent perspective that comes from a career spent leading some of the UK's best-known retail businesses.

“Matalan has made significant progress over the past 18 months, and we are seeing encouraging evidence that our strategy is working. We also know there is considerably more opportunity ahead of us. Richard's experience is valuable to us as we continue to build on that progress.”

Yesterday, the fashion and homeware retailer unveiled its new 'Believe It's Matalan' platform and campaign, marking a major milestone in its transformation plans as it looks to re-affirm its value proposition to customers, encouraging them to “take another look”.

The campaign follows a year of “customer-led transformation”, which has seen it introduce a clearer value proposition across its product, stores and digital experience.

Earlier this month, Matalan revealed that Chief Operating Officer Phil Hackney has left the business after three years, while last month, Matalan announced that Chief Executive Officer Henrik Nordvall was leaving by “mutual agreement” with the board, with Karl-Heinz Holland stepping up to the Executive Chair role on a permanent basis, having served as Chair since 2023.