Matalan has announced strategic changes in its leadership team with the appointments of James Dorling and Keith Down. This move is aimed at guiding the company through a transformative period.
- James Dorling, a seasoned executive from Gymshark and Wilko, steps in as the new property director, overseeing Matalan’s vast network of UK stores.
- Keith Down, with extensive experience at Selfridges and Dunelm, joins as a non-executive director to strengthen Matalan’s governance.
- These appointments coincide with ongoing leadership changes, including the recent departure of CEO Jo Whitfield.
- Matalan remains focused on executing a strategic plan with new leadership supporting its future trajectory.
Matalan has strategically strengthened its leadership by appointing experienced professionals to key roles. James Dorling, who brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Gymshark, Wilko, Walgreens, Walmart, and Tesco, is the new property director. He will be responsible for overseeing the company’s network of more than 220 stores in the UK, following the departure of Antony Darbyshire to CDS Superstores. Dorling is expected to contribute significantly to the company’s wider transformation strategy.
Joining Dorling is Keith Down, an accomplished finance executive with a strong history at Selfridges and Dunelm. Down has been appointed as a non-executive director and will chair the audit committee. This follows Paul Copley’s decision to step down as a non-executive director after a two-year tenure. Down’s background also includes serving as CFO at Dunelm and finance director at the Go-Ahead Group, which enhances Matalan’s board with his financial expertise.
These appointments are part of Matalan’s broader strategy to navigate a transformative phase. Executive chair Karl-Heinz Holland expressed confidence in the new appointees, stating they bring vital expertise to help execute Matalan’s strategic plans. This sentiment underscores the company’s plan to continue evolving its business operations, further supported by leadership changes.
The appointments of Dorling and Down come at a time of significant leadership transition within Matalan, marked by the recent resignation of CEO Jo Whitfield. Whitfield left to pursue a portfolio career, prompting Holland to take on the role of executive chair temporarily while a search for a new CEO is underway.
In this period of transition, Matalan is keen on utilising the experience of its new leaders to drive the business forward. The recent appointments reflect a commitment to enhancing the leadership structure in order to meet future challenges and opportunities head-on.
Matalan’s strategic appointments position the company for continued growth and transformation.
