Laura Ashley CEO steps down

Laura Ashley has announced that Kwan Cheong Ng will retire as the executive director and chief executive officer of the company on 30 April 2020. 

Ng, who joined as CEO in January 2012, will remain on the board as a non-executive director after his retirement. 

Katharine Poulter, who is currently the chief operating officer of the company, will now succeed Ng as chief executive officer and be appointed as executive director on the board. Her role will take effect from 1 May 2020. 

Poulter has 25 years of retail experience with companies including Marks and Spencer, Home Retail Group, Kingfisher, Tesco and Wilko Brands Ltd.

In a statement, the fashion retailer said: “The board would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Ng for his contribution as executive director and chief executive officer during his tenure with the company and to wish him the very best in his retirement.”