UK-based circular economy specialist Reconomy has named long-term Amazon fashion business exec Rakhshan Zahid as chief executive of its Re-use loop, effective immediately.

She will lead the division, made up of Advanced Supply Chain and ReBound, which offers “intelligent platforms and circular logistics through technology-led supply chain, logistics and fulfilment solutions”. 

With a career spanning e-commerce and financial services, Zahid “brings extensive expertise in driving strategic growth, operational excellence and innovation”, Reconomy said, adding: “Her passion for fostering inclusive and collaborative workplaces aligns well with Reconomy’s values”.

Over 10 years at Amazon, she’s held leadership roles in fashion and marketplace businesses, most recently leading the fashion accessories business across Europe. 

She succeeds Claire Webb who will continue in the business throughout this transition as executive chair, having been CEO and MD of Advanced Supply Chain for five years, leading the business through its acquisition by Reconomy in 2021.

Since her appointment as Re-use executive chair, Webb “has played a crucial role in the growth and success of Reconomy’s Re-use loop, including bringing together the leadership teams of ReBound and Advanced Supply Chain to facilitate closer collaboration, realise operational synergies and establish a market-leading global end-to-end returns offer”. She also led the business to open a facility in Nettetal, Germany to become a European superhub for returns and established the business’ Retail Ready service in Europe.
 
The Re-use businesses have also collaborated across Reconomy to develop its textile EPR solution to help brands and retailers comply with emerging regulations being introduced internationally. Webb now plans to pursue non-executive board-level opportunities.
 
Guy Wakeley, chief executive at Reconomy, said: “[Our] Re-use loop is one of our key divisions and counts many of the most successful, fast-growing retailers and e-commerce brands as customers. Rakhshan… brings an impressive track record and considerable experience of significantly scaling retail businesses, which will prove invaluable as we embark on the next phase of growth for Re-use. 

Jelle Schoenmaker continues as MD of ReBound and Ben Balfour continues to lead Advanced Supply Chain, also as MD.