Simply Be appoints Heidi Kenyon-Smith as GM amid digital transformation

N Brown Group, which boasts a portfolio made up of Jacamo, JD Williams and Simply Be, has announced the appointment of Heidi Kenyon-Smith as the new General Manager of Simply Be.

Kenyon-Smith brings significant digital, womenswear and media expertise to N Brown, with over 20 years of industry experience. She joins the business from the media agency, iProspect, where she served as Managing Director.

With this new appointment, the company has set out to further strengthen its team and expand its roster of talent, specifically with digital expertise, as it continues its group-wide transformation.

The General Manager will lead Simply Be to deliver its end-to-end customer experience and accelerate growth. In her new role, she will cover the delivery of strategic, commercial and service-led customer outcomes.

Heidi Kenyon-Smith said: "I’m delighted to be joining N Brown as the General Manager for Simply Be at such an exciting time for the business during its transformation. I have been a long advocate of Simply Be’s values and strongly believe every woman deserves the amazing feeling that comes with a great fit."

Heidi Kenyon-Smith

Kenyon-Smith's appointment will be effective 2 January 2023 and she will report directly to N Brown’s CEO of Retail, Sarah Welsh.

Sarah Welsh commented: "Heidi joins with a great deal of passion to deliver the evolution of Simply Be across all digital, brand and product touchpoints as we execute our ambition to become the UK’s most inclusive fashion brand for young women. Heidi’s digital, product and media experience will no doubt provide instant value and add to the talent joining the Group during our transformation."

Earlier this month, N Brown published its H2 2024 financial reports. The company expressed relying on "technology upgrades" to boost its dipping revenues.

Revenues were down by 10.4% year-on-year, from £331.5 million to £297 million. This is due to the "challenging market conditions including unseasonable weather through Spring and July to August".