Shoe Zone reveals new CEO

Shoe Zone, the Leicester shoe retailer, has revealed a raft of changes at the top of the company – including a new CEO.

The company’s non-executive chairman, Ian Filby, is stepping down to enable Anthony Smith, the company’s CEO, to move to the role of executive chairman. Filby joined the Board at the time of the IPO in 2014.

Smith, the new executive chairman has led Shoe Zone for 20 years through a series of acquisitions and the company’s IPO in 2014. He will continue to have a hands-on role in the company and will have particular responsibility for the property portfolio and strategy.

Nick Davis, the company’s CFO, will become CEO. Davis has been with the business for 13 years. He will continue to manage the finance function until a suitable replacement is appointed.

Jeremy Sharman will become non-executive deputy chairman. He will chair the Audit committee and sit on the Remuneration committee.

Anthony Smith, executive chairman of Shoe Zone, said: “I would like to thank Ian for his guidance and support since he joined the Board for the IPO in 2014. His retail experience has been invaluable to the company as we adjusted to life as a listed company and we wish him all the very best in the future.”

“I am also pleased that Nick has agreed to become CEO. Nick has been with the business for 13 years and has been instrumental in assisting Charles and me to drive both organic and acquisitive growth as well as our successful entry into online fulfilment. I look forward to continuing to work with Nick as we progress our Big Box trial and subsequent roll-out into 2017.”