FatFace unveils leadership changes following Next acquisition

FatFace has announced several new appointments within its senior leadership team to help drive the business forward following the acquisition by Next back in October 2023.  

The retailer has created two new roles on the management team – people director and stores director. Both positions are being appointed from existing FatFace crew, current head of people Jo Wilson has been appointed people director, whilst Karen Johnston has been promoted to stores director.

Having been at FatFace for over 17 years, Wilson has played a key part in FatFace’s culture and the learning and development opportunities on offer to its 2,000 colleagues. 

Johnston currently oversees FatFace’s UK and Ireland stores, and as part of her new role she will also be responsible for the business’s North American estate. This forms part of FatFace’s plans for a more cohesive approach across these markets since launching in the US in 2016 and Canada in 2023.

The new appointments form part of the retailer’s future growth plan following the acquisition by Next at the end of last year, building on the existing partnership and successful trading relationship with the brand. The business is currently in the process of transitioning to Next’s Total Platform which will allow it to reach new customers in the UK and internationally.   

Following the retailer’s transition, chief operating officer Mark Wright will be exiting the company later this year. He will oversee the transition before stepping down from his role to pursue opportunities outside of FatFace. There will be no replacement and instead the COO responsibilities will be split across existing and new board members. 

In addition, marketing and brand communications Director Keely Stocker will take on extended responsibilities for digital and customer services alongside her existing departments and move into the role of marketing and ecommerce director. Amy Lynch will also transition into the position of finance director permanently after serving in an interim capacity since September. 

FatFace CEO, Will Crumbie said: “Our people are central to the success of our business.  Bolstering our leadership team and creating these new roles will ensure FatFace is set up in the best way for future sustained growth. I would like to congratulate all those assuming new positions at FatFace and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we take the next step in our journey.

“I would also like to thank Mark for overseeing our transition to the Next business before he steps down. His invaluable contributions have been instrumental in shaping FatFace into the successful business it is today. I cannot thank Mark enough for his passion and hard work over the last five years.”