Former Karen Millen chairman appointed as interim CEO at Mamas & Papas

YORKSHIRE nursery firm Mamas & Papas has recruited retail veteran Derek Lovelock as interim chief executive.

Until recently, Mr Lovelock was chairman of Karen Millen and Aurora Fashions, owner of the Coast, Oasis and Warehouse brands.

He joins Huddersfield-based Mamas & Papas with immediate effect.

The business recently announced new investment from BlueGem, which will work with Mr Lovelock and the founding Scacchetti family on a strategic review of the business to position it for future growth.

BlueGem, the private equity firm behind London’s Liberty department store, took a majority stake in the company.

Mr Lovelock said: “Mamas & Papas is a fantastic, iconic brand with a fundamentally strong position in the nursery market. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Scacchetti family and BlueGem to develop and implement a plan that will both consolidate Mamas & Papas’ enviable position in the UK market and accelerate expansion internationally.”

David Scacchetti, chairman of Mamas & Papas, added: “I’m delighted Derek is joining us. He brings a wealth of retail experience in general and also has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the nursery market. His expertise will be a huge asset to us as we draw up plans for the future that will help us to accelerate our global expansion ambitions.”