Matalan’s CEO Jo Whitfield has resigned after 18 months, impacting the organisation’s leadership.
- Whitfield aims to explore a portfolio career, stepping away from her role in retail leadership.
- During Whitfield’s tenure, Matalan made strides in its turnaround strategy, garnering praise for profitability and value improvement.
- Chairman Karl-Heinz Holland temporarily assumes executive roles while a successor is sought.
- Whitfield and Matalan’s leadership express confidence in the continued success post-transition.
Jo Whitfield, the Chief Executive Officer of Matalan, has stepped down after serving the company for just over 18 months. Her departure reflects her intention to pursue a portfolio career, moving away from her current leadership position at the fashion retailer.
During her period as CEO, Matalan witnessed significant progress in its strategic turnaround efforts. Whitfield, who previously held the position of Head of Finance at Matalan from 2002 to 2008, was appointed CEO in March of last year. Under her leadership, Matalan experienced advancements in terms of reshuffling its executive team and reinforcing its value-oriented approach.
Chairman Karl-Heinz Holland will take on the role of executive chair until a new CEO is appointed. The search process to replace Whitfield is already underway, ensuring a seamless transition for the company’s leadership team. Holland expressed gratitude towards Whitfield for her contributions, highlighting the stabilisation of the business and the renewed focus on customer and colleague satisfaction.
In her statement, Whitfield remarked on the transformative journey over the past 18 months, mentioning improvements in business foundations and increased profitability during the first year of her tenure. She emphasised the enhanced product offerings and Matalan’s regained reputation of providing quality and value to customers.
Whitfield has also been instrumental in enhancing colleague remuneration while forming a new leadership and executive team to drive Matalan’s future growth. Expressing confidence in the team’s capabilities, she has chosen this juncture to transition the leadership baton, believing in the continued prosperity of Matalan.
With a firm strategic foundation, Matalan is poised for continued success post-Whitfield’s leadership.
