Next finance director to step down next year

The chief financial officer at Next, Amanda James, will step down from her position.

After 28 years with the retailer, the Enderby retailer has revealed that James has retired from full-time time work and will leave the board on July 26 next year.

She will formally retire from the group two months later in September 2024.

In a statement, the Next board said: “Amanda has made a huge contribution to the group in her 28 years with Next and has been an exceptional guardian of our finances. Our financial position today is a testament to her diligence and hard work.  The Board is extremely grateful to Amanda for her excellent service to the group.”

The position will be filled by Jonathan Blanchard, currently CFO at Reiss, which is 72% owned by Next.

Blanchard will join Next in February 2024 and take over as CFO in July 2024 and also join the board of Next at that time.