By Chloe Rigby
Mothercare [IRDX RMOC] has appointed internet retailing veteran Mark Newton-Jones as its chief executive.
The appointment, which starts from July 17, follows Newton-Jones’ four-month interim stint in the role leading the maternity-to-nursery-equipment provider.
Mark Newton-Jones is a confirmed keynote speaker at the Internet Retailing Conference 2014 in October 16. Keynote speakers at the event are all individuals who “have led transformation within their business as their product sector or the retail landscape have evolved”.
The hire reflects the importance of online and multichannel retailing to the company: Newton-Jones previously spent 10 years as chief executive of home shopping business Shop Direct [IRDX RSDG], during which it moved firmly towards online, launching brands including very.co.uk and isme.com. He also previously spent 18 years at Next [IRDX RNXT], with five years as director responsible for the Next Directory.
Alan Parker, Mothercare chairman, said he was delighted with the £600,000-a-year appointment.
“[Mark] has already made a substantial difference to the UK business already in the four months he has been with us and is a first-class retailer with a highly successful track record,” he said. “After a rigorous recruitment process, we have chosen a strong and experienced leader in Mark to drive the UK turnaround, and take Mothercare’s international business from strength to strength in order to deliver significant value for our shareholders.”
Mark Newton-Jones said: “I am very much looking forward to leading the Mothercare Group at such an important time in its development. Mothercare and Early Learning Centre are two iconic UK retail brands which have both developed into significant international businesses, serving parents and young children in 60 countries.
“We now need to put in place the building blocks to strengthen the UK performance and I believe there is then a tremendous opportunity to take this business forward. It will be a pleasure to work alongside Mothercare’s team of passionate and knowledgeable colleagues as we rebuild the UK and continue to grow our global presence.”
Mark Newton-Jones is a confirmed keynote speaker at the Internet Retailing Conference 2014 in October 16. Keynote speakers at the event are all individuals who “have led transformation within their business as their product sector or the retail landscape have evolved”.