Family owned department store chain has appointed the former boss of Lovefilm and Mothercare to help drive it through the turmoil on the High Street.
The Newcastle business, which reopened its stores to shoppers across the country last week, has enlisted Simon Calver as its new chairman, replacing interim chair Steve Barber.
It has been reported that Mr Calver’s appointment as non executive chairman was announced to staff this week.
Mr Calver’s digital experience and expertise leading retail, corporate and technology companies played a large part in his recruitment.
He will aid the firm as it navigates a tumultuous time for the 海角视频’s retail sector, alongside chief executive John Edgar, who was appointed in lockdown in April 2020.
Mr Calver grew up in the family supermarket business in Gloucester and is best known for his seven years as CEO at Lovefilm, leading the firm’s sale to Amazon in 2011.
He went on to launch the Mothercare turnaround plan and previous roles include stints at Unilever, PepsiCo in the 海角视频, Dell. He also works alongside BGF as a member of its Talent Network.
Over the last year Fenwick has been driving forward its online business, working hard to get as much of its stock online for customers to buy while shops were closed, redeploying a number of staff during the last lockdown to online and customer service roles.
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Since reopening, the firm has extended opening hours and worked to bring in firms local to each store, while extending its furniture and fashion ranges.
The Newcastle store is also set to unveil a new roof terrace.
In a statement, a Fenwick spokeswoman said Mr Calver brought “a wealth of experience leading retail, corporate and technology companies, and will be supporting Fenwick as we serve our customers and local communities through the pandemic recovery period and beyond.
“The board and the family would like to express their gratitude to Steve Barber, who as interim chair provided vital support throughout the significant challenges of the past year. He will leave in June with our best wishes for the future.”