New Look appoints former Bonmarche CEO
New Look has appointed former Bonmarche CEO Helen Connolly as chief commercial officer to replace long-standing chief product officer Roger Wightman who is leaving the business after 30 years' service.
Connolly will join New Look on 13 January having until recently been CEO at value fashion player Bonmarche until its acquisition by retail tycoon Philip Day's Spectre vehicle last summer.
Connolly's career also takes in senior positions at George at Asda and Dorothy Perkins. Her arrival follows the promotion of Nigel Oddy to the role of CEO, having previously been COO.
Nigel Oddy
Oddy said: “On behalf of the Board I would like to take this opportunity to thank Roger for his exceptional contribution to New Look over 30 years. Roger has been a credit to the Company, and has been instrumental in building New Look into one of the UK’s leading womenswear brands during this time. We wish him all the very best for the future.
“As we look ahead to launching our new customer strategy, I am delighted to appoint Helen to the new role of Chief Commercial Officer. She has a wealth of ‘affordable fashion’ expertise, and 20 years’ experience in buying, design and sourcing, which will help us to continue to strengthen the broad appeal of our product and build on our distinctive offer.”
Wightman said he was leaving the retailer to "pursue other interests". "It has been a privilege working with so many wonderful colleagues and I would like to thank them for their passion and commitment," he added.
Commenting on her appointment Connolly said: “I am thrilled to be joining New Look at such an exciting time for the business. I look forward to working with Nigel to continue to enhance the product offer and sourcing strategies, and to capitalise on the many opportunities that lie ahead in these challenging times for retail."
