Nigel Jones joins Primark as COO, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles.
- Jones transitions from Premier Inn-owner Whitbread, where he served as group operations and transformation director.
- He boasts over 25 years with Tesco, contributing significantly to the brand’s international expansion.
- Jones will oversee key areas like technology, supply chain, and business transformation at Primark.
- CEO Paul Marchant anticipates leveraging Jones’s expertise for Primark’s growth in 17 markets.
Nigel Jones has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Primark, a prominent high street fashion retailer. This significant appointment sees Jones stepping into a role where his vast experience in international operations will be invaluable.
Jones joins Primark from Whitbread, the owner of Premier Inn, where he has been the group operations and transformation director since 2017. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in steering operations and implementing transformative changes that have positively impacted the business.
The new COO has a rich history with Tesco, having joined the supermarket giant back in 1991 as a store manager. Over more than 25 years, Jones ascended through various levels, notably as retail director and UK fresh food distribution director, among others. He also played a pivotal role in expanding Tesco’s footprint to countries like Poland and Hungary, and in developing the Tesco Extra hypermarket format.
As he takes on his new role at Primark, Jones is set to manage crucial domains including technology, supply chain, logistics, and overall business transformation. His role is expected to be central to Primark’s ongoing strategy to enhance operational efficiency and maintain its competitive edge in the highly dynamic retail sector.
Paul Marchant, CEO of Primark, expressed enthusiasm at having Jones on board, citing Jones’s extensive global experience as a key asset. Marchant mentioned that Primark, now established in 17 different markets, aims to further benefit from Jones’s in-depth knowledge in areas crucial for transformation and growth.
Nigel Jones, commenting on his new appointment, shared his excitement about joining a globally recognised retailer. He acknowledged Primark’s steady growth and prominent position within the industry, expressing his eagerness to work with a diverse and dynamic team to advance the company’s future growth objectives.
Nigel Jones’s appointment as COO at Primark is set to bring strategic expertise that will bolster the retailer’s ambitions in international markets.
