Matalan announces significant leadership additions enhancing business strategy.
- James Dorling appointed as the new property director, succeeding Antony Darbyshire.
- Keith Down joins as a non-executive director and chair of the audit committee.
- James Dorling brings experience from Gymshark, Wilko, Walgreens, Walmart, and Tesco.
- Keith Down’s previous roles include finance director at Selfridges and CFO at Dunelm.
Matalan has strategically enhanced its leadership team with two key appointments aimed at bolstering its transformation strategy. The retailer has appointed James Dorling, former executive at Wilko, Gymshark, Walgreens, Walmart, and Tesco, as its new property director.
Dorling will oversee Matalan’s network of over 220 UK stores. His appointment is a critical component of Matalan’s broader transformation plan. With a background spanning major retail names, he is expected to bring valuable experience to his role at Matalan. Antony Darbyshire, whom he succeeds, departed for CDS Superstores in August.
Keith Down has been appointed as a non-executive director and chair of the audit committee. His appointment is part of a shift following Paul Copley’s resignation from the board. Down’s experience includes positions as finance director at Selfridges Group, CFO at Dunelm, and finance director at the Go-Ahead Group. Notably, Down will continue his roles at Tortilla and Topps Tiles alongside his new duties at Matalan.
Executive Chair Karl-Heinz Holland expressed positive sentiment regarding these appointments, noting that both individuals bring relevant expertise crucial to executing the company’s strategic objectives. This leadership shift is part of a broader realignment, following the departure of CEO Jo Whitfield last month. Whitfield left to pursue a portfolio career, leading Holland to step into the role of executive chair.
The retailer is actively searching for a new permanent CEO, highlighting this as an ongoing process. These leadership changes signal Matalan’s commitment to strengthening its team to navigate the current retail landscape effectively.
These strategic appointments underscore Matalan’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team in pursuit of its business objectives.
