Sports retail giant blocks non-executive director from joining Boohoo

Bury-based sports leisurewear retailer giant JD Sports has blocked one of its non-executive directors from taking up a similar role with online fashion group Boohoo.

The Manchester fashion retailer announced on April 22, that Kath Smith, currently a non-executive director of JD Sports Fashion, had been appointed to the Boohoo board as an independent non-executive director, with effect from May 1.

Group chief executive Mahmud Kamani said: “I am delighted to welcome Kath to the company.

“Her commercial insight will be a great asset to the board and the business as it continues to develop and grow.

“We are looking forward to working with her.”

But this afternoon (May 4), Boohoo made a stock exchange announcement to say the appointment has not taken place.

It said it was “disappointed to report that JD Sports Fashion Plc has withdrawn its consent for Kath Smith to join the Boohoo board effective from 1st May 2020 as a non-executive director, as previously announced”.

It said it will now seek a suitable replacement as soon as possible.

In April last year, Boohoo appointed the former chief financial officer of JD Sports, Brian Small, as a non-executive director.

JD Sports Fashion has been contacted for a comment.