Matalan has made key additions to its senior team, crucial for advancing its strategic goals.
- James Dorling joins as Director of Property with a mandate to drive the company’s property strategy.
- Keith Down steps in as Non-Executive Director, bringing extensive retail and finance expertise.
- These appointments are seen as pivotal in executing Matalan’s broader transformation strategy.
- Jo Whitfield, former CEO, departs after contributing significantly to the company’s turnaround.
Matalan has announced significant changes to its leadership team as part of its ongoing efforts to advance its strategic objectives. James Dorling has been appointed as Director of Property, a role critical for overseeing the company’s expansive network of over 220 UK stores. His responsibility will include ensuring that Matalan’s property strategy is optimised and aligns with the company’s forward-looking transformation initiatives.
Dorling joins Matalan with a wealth of experience in property management and leadership, having previously held positions at prominent firms such as Gymshark, Wilko, Walgreens, and Walmart. His decade-long tenure at Tesco further solidified his expertise in this domain, making his addition to Matalan both relevant and timely.
Simultaneously, Keith Down has joined the board as a Non-Executive Director and the chair of the audit committee. This move follows Paul Copley’s decision to step down. Down is recognised for his vast experience in the realms of retail and finance, having served in leadership roles at Selfridges Group, Dunelm, Tesco, and Topps Tiles. In his new role, he will continue to contribute to the boards of Tortilla and Topps Tiles, alongside his responsibilities at Matalan.
The company’s executive chair, Karl-Heinz Holland, expressed enthusiasm about these new appointments, emphasising the value Dorling and Down bring to Matalan. Holland acknowledged the significant contributions of Paul Copley during his tenure, particularly in his role as chair.
The leadership restructuring comes at a pivotal moment as Matalan confirms that its chief executive, Jo Whitfield, has stepped down to pursue other career opportunities. During her time at Matalan, Whitfield oversaw substantial progress in the company’s turnaround strategy, which included reshaping the senior team and reinforcing the business’s value credentials.
Matalan’s strategic appointments signal a strong commitment to advancing its transformation plans amid leadership changes.
