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Morleys Department Stores has appointed Melanie Smallwood as its newly created chief trading officer to oversee the group’s buying and merchandising functions starting in April 2026.
Smallwood joins the independent department store chain following a tenure as chief commercial and brand partnerships officer at Global Fashion Group.
Reporting directly to the chief executive and the board, she assumes responsibility for the commercial strategy across the group’s portfolio.
The appointment follows the arrival of Judd Wilson as chief financial officer and Ray Clacher as chief executive earlier this year.
The leadership restructure coincides with a multimillion-pound investment into a new store, Jolly’s of Bath, which is scheduled to open later in 2026 as part of the group’s expansion strategy.
Smallwood’s professional background includes over 30 years in retail leadership, with previous roles as global buying director at Harvey Nichols and divisional lead for womenswear and kidswear at Harrods.
Her remit at Morleys involves strengthening the group’s trading operations as it prepares for its centenary in 2027.
Smallwood is expected to join the team following the Easter period to begin the implementation of a renewed strategic vision for the independent chain.
By bolstering the senior management team with specialists from the luxury and premium sectors, Morleys intends to modernise its procurement and inventory management systems.
Bernard Dreesmann, chairman of Morley Department Stores Limited, said: “On behalf of the board, I welcome Melanie Smallwood to the group. Melanie has agreed to join us at this time for the business. Our new management team, together with an investment into our new store, Jolly’s of Bath, signifies our commitment to the independent department store sector. Melanie’s extensive department store career will prove invaluable.”
Ray Clacher, chief executive, added: “Many of us in premium retail know Melanie. I am pleased that Melanie has joined us on this journey for the group, which will be 100 years old in 2027. I look forward to working with Melanie and the senior team to show that the community department store is a mainstay of the British high street.”
