Nigel Blow has expressed his shock and disappointment over the abrupt withdrawal of his appointment as CEO of Fenwick, just two weeks before his start date.
- Fenwick, the UK’s largest family-owned department store, had announced Blow’s appointment in July, a decision now reversed unexpectedly.
- Blow was due to leave his role at Morleys, London’s reputed department store group, to lead Fenwick.
- He has had a significant career in retail, including senior roles at Morleys and Harrods.
- Amidst controversy surrounding former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, Blow clarifies his non-involvement.
Nigel Blow’s impending position as CEO of Fenwick has unexpectedly been revoked, leaving him ‘shocked’. He was due to start in two weeks, following weeks of preparation and meetings with Fenwick’s executives and shareholders. Fenwick released a statement confirming Blow’s resignation from the position he was set to assume, which was initially announced in July.
As a veteran in the retail industry, Blow was excited to transform Fenwick’s financial struggles, aiming for profitability after recent years of losses. Nevertheless, his anticipated leadership was abruptly ended by Fenwick’s withdrawal of their offer.
Blow, who resigned as CEO of Morleys to join Fenwick, informed that his notice period is still ongoing with the company’s support. Morleys, where Blow has served for eight years, expressed surprise and horror at the allegations connected to Harrods, a place where Blow previously held senior roles.
The controversy deepens with a BBC documentary revealing allegations of sexual misconduct by Mohamed Al Fayed at Harrods. Blow, who worked there from 2002 to 2007, stated his lack of awareness and non-involvement in these incidents.
While Fenwick did not disclose the reasons for revoking Blow’s appointment, they confirmed his role would not be continued as previously intended. Morleys echoed support for Blow’s tenure and had no prior knowledge of the BBC documentary’s revelations.
The circumstances surrounding Nigel Blow’s departure from the Fenwick CEO role remain ambiguous, amidst external controversies beyond his control.
