Philip Mountford has been appointed chairman of Hush, succeeding Susanne Given.
- Mountford brings extensive experience from roles in major fashion brands like Versace and Moss.
- His career spans 40 years in fashion retail, including a long stint as Hunkemöller’s CEO.
- Hush is positioned for growth both physically and digitally, according to Mountford.
- Hush achieved B Corp status, highlighting its commitment to ethics and transparency.
Philip Mountford, a seasoned expert in the fashion retail industry, has been appointed as the new chairman of Hush, a womenswear and lifestyle brand. He takes over from Susanne Given, who has served the Australian-founded, London-based company for four years.
Mountford’s career in the fashion industry is extensive and varied, including a notable position as UK managing director for the luxury fashion house Versace from 1999 to 2002. He also served as the CEO of Moss, a menswear brand, from 2004 to 2009, and led the lingerie label Hunkemöller as CEO for fifteen years until January 2024.
Hush’s CEO, Sarah Miles, praised Mountford, stating that he brings significant executive retail experience both in the UK and internationally, having held key CEO roles throughout his career. This experience is expected to benefit Hush in its next phase of development.
Mountford himself has expressed a commitment to fostering growth for Hush, capitalising on what he describes as the brand’s great values and distinct market position. He sees opportunities for expansion both in physical stores and digital channels.
Founded by Mandy Watkins in 2002, Hush has grown into a £40 million lifestyle empire. Watkins, having previously worked with Adidas in Australia and Hong Kong, brought her marketing expertise to the brand, which has steadily expanded its market presence.
In 2020, Hush attracted significant investment from the private equity firm True, acquiring a 50% stake in the company. This backing facilitated Hush’s ambitious growth plans and further solidified its market standing.
Highlighting its commitment to ethical and transparent business practices, Hush achieved B Corp status in September 2024 with a commendable score of 85, surpassing the pass mark of 80. This recognition underscores the brand’s dedication to governance, worker rights, and ethical standards.
Philip Mountford’s appointment as chairman is set to guide Hush through a promising phase of expansion.
