Studio Retail Group MD Paul Kendrick promoted to CEO

Online retailer, Studio Retail Group has promoted managing director Paul Kendrick to the role of group chief executive to replace Phil Maudsley.

Kendrick, who is already executive director and managing director of Studio Retail, will take up his role as chief executive of the whole business after Maudsley retires on the 26 March 2021.

Studio Retail said the new appointment is part of a structured development and succession plan carried out by the board working alongside both Maudsley and Kendrick over the past two years.

In addition, Maudsley will be involved in the transition during the remainder of this financial year.

Kendrick joined the company in May 2016 initially as commercial and deputy managing director of Studio Retail and was promoted to managing director the following year in April 2017, and then joined the board in December 2019.

He has played a major role in increasing the retailer's online growth, during his time at Studio Retail.

Before joining Studio Retail, Kendrick was marketing and ecommerce director at Bonmarche, and held a number of roles at N Brown Group including leading marketing, financial services, international and group development functions.

The company also announced Maudsley will retire after spending more than 30 years of his career with Studio, after joining the company in 1987 as general manager of a manufacturing subsidiary.

He has held various roles within the business including managing director of the home shopping division and managing director of Express Gifts.

In 2004, he was appointed to the Studio board before being named group chief executive in April 2017.

Maudsley has been applauded for transforming the brand into a dedicated online value retailer, and has navigated last year’s rebrand name change from Findel.

Studio chairman Ian Burke said: “Phil has contributed significantly to the company’s development and achievements over 30 years including most recently in his capacity as CEO,”

“As he approaches his retirement from Studio, I would like to thank him for that contribution, on behalf of the board, and to wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next.”

Maudsley said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my long career with this group. Seeing Studio evolve from a small Christmas catalogue operation to become a thriving on-line value retailer serving over two million customers gives me immense pride."

“I know that I leave the business in Paul’s very capable hands.”

Kendrick said: “I am truly excited to be given the opportunity to lead Studio Retail Group as we continue our transformation to a digital, value retailer."

“I would like to thank Phil for all his support over the last four years."

“We have built an amazing team which I am honoured to work with as we take the business forward.”