Fenwick, the UK department store chain, has appointed Simon Calver as its new non-executive chairman. With a background in major tech funds and previous experience as chairman of moo.com, Calver will be responsible for guiding Fenwick through a period of significant changes, particularly in its e-commerce operations. He takes over from interim chairman Steve Barber, who has held the position for the past year.
This appointment comes as Fenwick looks to expand its online business following a challenging year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. With physical stores temporarily closed, the company has been focusing on growing its digital presence. Calver’s expertise in digital technologies played a crucial role in his recruitment.
Last year, John Edgar, a former executive at Harrods and Selfridges, was appointed as Fenwick’s CEO, replacing Robbie Feather. Together with Calver, they aim to navigate the company through the pandemic recovery period and beyond.
A spokesperson for Fenwick expressed confidence in Calver’s leadership abilities, citing his extensive experience in retail, corporate, and technology sectors. The spokesperson also thanked Steve Barber for his support as interim chairman and wished him well for the future.
Fenwick has faced financial challenges in recent years, with losses widening in the year leading up to January 2020. The company acknowledges the need to improve its webstore operations to remain competitive in the changing retail landscape. Calver’s appointment is seen as a step towards addressing this issue.
In addition to focusing on its online business, Fenwick has announced plans to convert 10% of its Bond Street location into rentable office space in an effort to reduce costs and generate new revenue. Approximately 3,500 square feet of floorspace will be utilized for this purpose.
Despite the challenges faced by Fenwick, CEO John Edgar remains optimistic about the future. He predicts a slow recovery but believes the company is on the right track and well-positioned for success in the evolving retail world.
With the addition of Simon Calver as chairman, Fenwick aims to leverage his digital expertise to enhance its e-commerce operations and drive growth in the post-pandemic era. The company’s focus on adapting to changing consumer behavior and embracing digital transformation will be key to its future success.
Useful links:
– Fenwick Official Website
– Retail Gazette (relevant source for retail news and industry insights)
