N Brown is serious about “continuing to build its leadership expertise to support its strategy and long-term growth”, with the fashion and homeware digital retailer adding a new big retail name to its board.
Richard Price
Richard Price, former managing director of Clothing, Home & Beauty at M&S, has been appointed an independent non-executive director.
He brings more than 35 years’ experience across the UK retail sector, with particular expertise in fashion, clothing and home.
At M&S, he led a significant transformation of the division, “revitalising its product proposition, improving market share and strengthening financial performance.”
Prior to this, Price was also CEO of F&F Clothing at Tesco, where he led the £1.7 billion international clothing business, and has also held senior leadership roles at BHS and Next “giving him extensive experience across product, merchandising, trading and the broader customer proposition.”
N Brown added: “Richard’s appointment further strengthens the Board’s retail, operational and strategic expertise. His experience leading large-scale retail businesses through periods of significant change will support the board and leadership team as the group drives growth and continues to evolve its retail proposition.”
Price will also succeed Ash Piranie as chair of the Remuneration Committee with Piranie becoming senior independent director and continue as chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Le May, who has served as chair since March, will take on the role of executive chair.
N Brown said these changes follow the recent appointment of Zoe Matthews as MD of retail, “bringing further senior retail and transformation experience into the business.”
Le May added: “Richard is an exceptional addition to the N Brown board. He has spent his career at the forefront of UK retail, with a proven ability to transform major businesses by sharpening their product proposition, strengthening commercial performance and navigating periods of significant change.
“That experience is highly relevant to N Brown as we continue the transformation of the business. Richard understands what it takes to reinvigorate established retail brands while staying focused on the customers they serve, and his commercial judgement and strategic perspective will be hugely valuable around the board table.
Price also said: “N Brown has a distinctive position in UK retail, built on a deep understanding of its customers and brands that have served them for generations. There is a real opportunity to build on those strengths while continuing to evolve the proposition for how customers want to shop today.”
