Richard Price, previously of Marks & Spencer, steps into a non-executive director role at Refined Networks.
- Price marks the first board addition since Refined Networks’ inception by industry veterans in 2021.
- Refined Networks, set to expand through new partnerships, aids brands in entering global marketplaces.
- With over 30 years in retail, Price brings rich experience from giants like Next and Tesco.
- His strategic vision at M&S earned him accolades, including Drapers Leader of the Year 2023.
Richard Price, the managing director of clothing and home at Marks & Spencer, has been appointed as the first non-executive director on the board of Refined Networks, a global e-commerce platform. This key development was announced by Drapers, highlighting the strategic move by Refined Networks to integrate seasoned retail leadership into its fold.
Refined Networks, co-founded in 2021 by Ben Barnett, Ian Wallis, and Sune Bjerregaard, seeks to expand its board with Price’s appointment. The company has already supported numerous fashion brands, including Benetton and J.Lindeberg, in launching their products on international marketplaces. This initiative aims to bolster online sales on a global scale, with upcoming partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom and Macy’s, alongside new platforms in Europe and the Middle East.
Price brings more than three decades of retail expertise from established firms such as Next, M&S, BHS, and Tesco’s F&F. At M&S, his leadership under the ‘Never the Same Again’ strategy significantly enhanced product design, digital offerings, and the incorporation of third-party brands. His efforts were recognised with the Drapers Leader of the Year 2023 Award. Price also serves on the boards of Nobody’s Child and Fabacus, further cementing his leadership credentials.
In his own words, Price articulated the potential of flourishing in digital marketplaces by stating, ‘With the world’s leading retailers launching their own third-party brand platforms, fashion brands have a huge opportunity for growth – but often lack the relationships, expertise or resources to trade across multiple platforms, or cross-border into new markets.’ This underscores his commitment to supporting Refined Networks in unlocking global opportunities for fashion brands.
Ben Barnett, the chairman and co-founder of Refined Networks, expressed enthusiasm about Price’s addition, praising his transformative impact at M&S and anticipating the value his vast experience will bring to Refined Networks. Barnett indicated that Price’s vision aligns with the company’s strategic objectives, aiming to drive growth for brand partners in their upcoming expansion phase.
Richard Price’s appointment at Refined Networks signals a strategic move to leverage his extensive retail experience for global growth.
