Matalan has strengthened its leadership by hiring seasoned professionals from reputable firms, driving its strategic goals forward.
- James Dorling joins as Director of Property, bringing vast experience from companies like Gymshark and Tesco.
- Keith Down becomes a Non-Executive Director and Audit Chair, with a background in finance and retail at Selfridges, Dunelm, and Tesco.
- The additions aim to optimise Matalan’s property strategy and enhance financial oversight.
- These hires come amid significant leadership changes, including the recent departure of CEO Jo Whitfield.
Matalan, a key player in the fashion and homewares sector, has strategically bolstered its senior management team with two significant appointments. James Dorling has been appointed as Director of Property, tasked with overseeing Matalan’s extensive network of over 220 stores across the UK. Dorling’s role is integral to ensuring the optimisation and forward-looking nature of Matalan’s property strategy, which is a cornerstone of the company’s broader transformation plan.
Dorling joins Matalan bringing a wealth of experience in property management and leadership. His career includes noteworthy tenures at Gymshark, Wilko, Walgreens, and Walmart, following a decade-long property management role at Tesco. This diverse background positions him well to contribute to Matalan’s strategic goals.
Alongside Dorling, Keith Down has been appointed to the board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee, succeeding Paul Copley. Down’s extensive experience in both retail and finance is a valuable asset, drawing on leadership roles he has held at the Selfridges Group, Dunelm, and Topps Tiles. His ongoing board positions with Tortilla and Topps Tiles further highlight his credentials.
Matalan’s Executive Chair, Karl-Heinz Holland, expressed enthusiasm for these new appointments, emphasizing the relevant expertise both Dorling and Down bring to support the execution of Matalan’s strategic plan. While welcoming the new members, Holland also acknowledged the substantial contributions of Paul Copley during his tenure.
This strategic reshuffling of the senior team follows the recent departure of Jo Whitfield, Matalan’s Chief Executive, who stepped down after 18 months to pursue other career opportunities. Under Whitfield’s leadership, the company made notable strides in its turnaround strategy, primarily through restructuring its leadership team and reinforcing its value proposition.
These strategic appointments underscore Matalan’s ongoing commitment to its transformation and growth objectives.
