Morleys department stores has announced the appointment of Allan Winstanley as their new CEO, succeeding Nigel Blow.
- Winstanley is set to begin his role in January, bringing extensive international experience to the company.
- His previous roles include top positions at Myer in Australia and Sears and Kmart in the US.
- Nigel Blow exits after eight years following a brief appointment at Fenwick, withdrawn amidst controversy involving Harrods.
- Winstanley’s appointment marks a significant leadership change for Morleys, reflecting global and diverse expertise.
Morleys department stores have named Allan Winstanley as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective from January. Winstanley succeeds Nigel Blow, who has held the position for the past eight years. Winstanley brings a wealth of international experience to Morleys, having worked in various high-level roles globally. His tenure at Myer in Australia as Chief Merchandise Officer, along with his presidency at Sears and Kmart in the United States, underscores his capability in transforming retail operations.
Before venturing internationally, Winstanley led the women’s apparel, accessories, and beauty divisions at House of Fraser in the UK and began his career with Marks & Spencer. This substantial background highlights his deep-rooted knowledge in both fashion and retail management.
Winstanley takes over from Nigel Blow, whose leadership at Morleys spanned eight robust years. Blow’s career after Morleys took a challenging turn when he was briefly appointed at Fenwick. However, the role was rescinded due to controversies surrounding multiple allegations against an associate from his previous tenure at Harrods. This decision came only two weeks before he was set to start, marking a tumultuous end to his expected return to senior management.
The transition to Winstanley’s leadership is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to Morleys, influenced by his extensive and varied international experience. This change signifies an era of potential innovation and renewed strategy, aiming to strengthen Morleys’ position in the retail market.
Winstanley’s proven expertise and international experience position Morleys for strategic growth and leadership in the evolving retail landscape.