Newton-Jones lands permanent Mothercare role
FORMER Shop Direct chief executive Mark Newton-Jones has been appointed as the permanent CEO of Mothercare.
Mr Newton-Jones, who spent nearly a decade at the Liverpool-based home shopping group and who is also a non-executive of Manchester-based online fashion retailer Boohoo, has been working as Mothercare’s CEO on an interim capacity since March.
In a statement Mothercare said: “The board has conducted a thorough recruitment process over the past few months and is confident Mark is the right person to lead the business.
“Since the start of the financial year, progress has been achieved across our International and UK businesses and the board believes that scope for further improvement and growth in shareholder value is substantial.”
Alan Parker, chairman of Mothercare Plc, said: “I am delighted that Mark will be joining Mothercare on a permanent basis as our new CEO. He has 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. 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.”
Mr 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.”
