Primark, the fashion retail giant, appoints a new COO, Nigel Jones, heralding a strategic shift.
- Nigel Jones joins from Whitbread, bringing over 25 years of experience at Tesco to the role.
- Jones is tasked with overseeing key elements like technology, supply chain, and logistics at Primark.
- Primark’s CEO expresses confidence in Jones’ ability to enhance the company’s international operations.
- The appointment is seen as pivotal for Primark’s growth and transformation in 17 markets.
Primark, a major player in the high street fashion retail industry, has announced the appointment of Nigel Jones as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This move is expected to align with the company’s strategic shift towards enhancing its international operations and technological capabilities.
Jones transitions to Primark from Whitbread, where he served as Group Operations and Transformation Director since 2017. His career is notably marked by his tenure at Tesco, where he joined as a store manager in 1991. Over a span of more than 25 years, Jones assumed various critical roles at Tesco, including that of retail director and UK commercial director for general merchandise and clothing. His expertise in expanding Tesco’s reach to new territories such as Poland and Hungary in the 1990s, as well as in developing the Tesco Extra hypermarket format, underscores his capability in steering expansive retail operations.
In his new role, Jones will be responsible for overseeing Primark’s technology functions, supply chain, logistics, and business transformation efforts. His appointment comes at a time when Primark is established in 17 markets globally, and the company aims to leverage his experience in managing large-scale international operations. Paul Marchant, CEO of Primark, commented on the appointment stating, “Nigel joins us with a wealth of experience of running international operations of significant scale across multiple markets including the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia.” Marchant expressed optimism regarding Jones’ potential impact on Primark’s strategic areas of focus.
Jones himself expressed enthusiasm for the new opportunity at Primark, appreciating the company’s consistent growth and leadership in the fashion retail sector. He remarked, “It’s hugely exciting for me to join such a recognised global retailer. I’ve always been struck by the continual growth of Primark and the influence it holds as a leader in the industry.” His focus is expected to be on working with a dynamic team to drive Primark’s ambitions for future growth.
Nigel Jones’ appointment as COO signifies Primark’s commitment to scaling its global operations and enhancing its strategic functions.
