Wyse London poaches Stripe & Stare CEO for ‘next chapter’

Womenswear brand Wyse London has appointed Cathy Newnes-Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Kara Groves who has been in the role since January 2025.

Newnes-Smith has most recently been CEO of underwear and sleepwear brand Stripe & Stare - a role she has held since September 2022. Stripe & Stare also today announced co-founder Katie Lopes as its new CEO.

Prior to Stripe & Stare, Newnes-Smith spent over 10 years at Boden, the last two and a half years of which as Chief Design & Customer Experience Officer.

Bringing extensive experience across brand building, customer experience, creative leadership and commercial growth, Newnes-Smith will now lead Wyse London through its next chapter as the business continues to expand both its retail presence and digital offering.

Marielle Wyse, founder of Wyse London, said: “Cathy brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our customer, making her an exceptional fit for Wyse London and our ambitions for the future. Her values, vision and commercial expertise are closely aligned with who we are as a brand and where we are heading.

“Both personally and professionally, I have enormous admiration and respect for Cathy. I have every confidence that she is the right person to lead Wyse through its next chapter, building on our strong foundations and driving the business forward as we continue to grow.”

Newnes-Smith added: “I am delighted to be joining Wyse, a brand I have admired for many years. Marielle and the team have always put customers at the heart of Wyse, understanding the power of clothes to give confidence, strength and joy.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Marielle and the team to continue growing the Wyse community in the years to come.”