New Jacques Vert owner Calvetron appoints Peter Ridler as CEO

Calvetron Brands, the new owner of the former Style Group Brands business, has appointed former White Stuff business development director Peter Ridler as CEO.

Ridler, who has also held senior positions with Monsoon Accessorize and The Body Shop among others, will replace Shaun Wills who has stepped down from the role to pursue another opportunity. Wills had agreed to remain with the business until a successor was found and Ridler's appointment is effective immediately.

Calvetron, which is led by former Jaeger owner and British Fashion Council chairman Harold Tillman CBE along with Haseeb Aziz and Sandeep Vyas, acquired Style Group Brands from administrators KPMG in June of this year. The group includes the Jacques Vert, Eastex, Dash and Precis brands.

Tillman said that Wills, who had been CEO for 18 months, and his team had "worked tirelessly to re-establish the positioning of each of the four brands, developing new, more appealing product, restructuring the business for today’s requirements and, latterly, delivering the sale of the business into new ownership. He leaves with our thanks and our very best wishes for his future success."

Aziz said of the appointment of Ridler. "Peter’s extensive omni-channel international expertise and his experience operating as CEO for a number of retail businesses will further support the business in its growth strategy. Peter is a great addition to the team. We are confident that with a robust strategy in place and a strong and passionate team, Calvetron Brands has a significant opportunity for growth over the coming years," he said.