New Look appoints ex Bonmarché and Selfridges exec as new Retail Director
New Look has appointed retail veteran Mark Matthews as its new Retail Director, tapping him to spearhead the next phase of its omnichannel store transformation. The move comes as the fashion retailer focuses on modernising its store estate across the UK.
Matthews brings nearly 30 years of operational and customer-experience expertise, joining from Co-op, where he spent six years as Director of Format and Innovation, leading future-store concepts and operational improvements. His career spans senior roles at Bonmarché and George at Asda, along with leadership roles at Best Buy Europe and Selfridges, plus a decade at BHS.
His appointment follows a strong year of innovation for New Look’s store network. Recent next-generation concept stores at Bluewater and across Manchester have delivered double-digit like-for-like sales growth. The business has also invested £30 million into digital growth, including the launch of its first loyalty programme, Club New Look, which has already surpassed 700,000 members after a soft summer debut.
Helen Connolly, CEO of New Look, said: "Our store estate is a vital part of our omnichannel strategy, and I’m delighted to welcome Mark to the business as Retail Director. Mark brings extensive industry expertise and a customer-first mindset that will be key to our next phase of store development."
Mark Matthews
Matthews will join New Look’s director team, where he will oversee the retailer’s entire store estate and guide the implementation of omnichannel initiatives to drive sales and sharpen customer experience.
He succeeds current Retail Director Elaine Cartwright, who is stepping down after 12 years with the business.
Mark Matthews added: "I’m excited to step into this role at such a pivotal time for New Look. The brand has made great strides in creating a seamless customer experience across channels. I look forward to building on that momentum, working with our colleagues in our stores and across the support centre."
