Matalan has made key leadership appointments, signalling strategic shifts.
- James Dorling joins as the new property director, bringing extensive retail experience.
- Keith Down has been appointed as non-executive director and audit committee chair.
- These appointments align with Matalan’s ongoing transformation strategy.
- The search for a new permanent CEO continues as leadership evolves.
Matalan, a leading retail company, has undertaken notable leadership changes by appointing James Dorling as the new property director and Keith Down as the non-executive director and chair of the audit committee. These strategic appointments underscore Matalan’s commitment to enhancing its leadership team amidst ongoing transformations within the company.
James Dorling steps into the role of property director, succeeding Antony Darbyshire, who departed for a position at CDS Superstores. Dorling arrives with a wealth of experience, having worked as the head of real estate at Gymshark and held previous roles at major retail companies such as Wilko, Walgreens, Walmart, and Tesco. His extensive background in managing retail property portfolios is expected to contribute significantly to Matalan’s ambitions to overhaul its network of over 220 UK stores.
Keith Down joins Matalan as a non-executive director, taking over from Paul Copley. His previous experience includes serving as finance director at Selfridges Group and as CFO at Dunelm. Down’s new responsibilities include chairing the audit committee while also continuing his board roles at Tortilla and Topps Tiles. His financial expertise is anticipated to be invaluable in steering Matalan’s strategic financial initiatives.
Karl-Heinz Holland, Matalan’s executive chair, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome James and Keith to the business, who both join with relevant expertise that will prove highly valuable as we continue to execute our strategic plan.” Holland’s remarks highlight the alignment of these appointments with the company’s broader strategic goals.
These changes occur in the aftermath of CEO Jo Whitfield’s departure, a move that has set the stage for a broader leadership evolution at Matalan. The process to identify a permanent CEO is continuing, indicating Matalan’s proactive approach in navigating its leadership landscape.
Matalan’s executive appointments reflect a strategic effort to bolster its leadership team and drive forward its transformation agenda.
