Shop Direct boss Newton-Jones to move on

MARK Newton-Jones, chief executive of Shop Direct Group, the North West retailer, is to stand down next year.

In a statement the Liverpool-based company said Mr Newton-Jones had informed the board he intends to “seek new challenges in the medium term”, but had agreed to remain until June 2013 to ensure a smooth transition with his successor.

Owned by the Barclay brothers, the Channel Island-based investors, Shop Direct said the process to find a new chief executive had been launched.

“The shareholders would like to thank Mark for his dedication and commitment over the past eight years and his continued support as we find a successor. It remains business as usual for Shop Direct Group as we tackle the challenges in 2012 and continue to develop the business.”

Mr Newton-Jones, added: “We have a great team at Shop Direct and the business outperformed in 2011. I’ve enjoyed my time at Shop Direct immensely but now feel the time is right to seek new challenges.

“I will be fully focused to ensure a smooth handover and am committed to staying with the business for the next 18 months in what looks set to be a challenging year for all retailers.”