Former JD boss Peter Cowgill considers retail return

Former JD boss Peter Cowgill is reportedly considering a return to retail after being approached by a private equity firm to head up a menswear brand. 

According to The Telegraph, Cowgill has been approached to take over luxury menswear brand Mainline, which is currently owned by his former employers JD sports. 

However, according to the outlet the retailer is understood to be sounding out buyers for its designer clothing company as part of a drive to focus more on sportswear. 

Alongside Cowgill, potential bidders are also thought to be considering Mainline founder Stuart Hicks to run the business if a deal comes to fruition. 

Sources close to the deal said that discussions are said to be at a very early stage and is still feeling out interested parties. 

Cowgill stepped down from his role at JD in May last year and remains as a consultant as part of the terms in his exit package.

With nearly 20 years of experience as chairman and CEO of JD, Cowgill helped the footwear retailer through an extended period of growth and earned a reputation as one of the country’s “most accomplished retailers”.

Cowgill had been executive chairman of the sportswear group since 2004 and took on chief executive responsibilities in 2014.