Joules names Jonathon Brown as new CEO

Lifestyle retailer Joules on August 15 announced that it has found a new CEO to replace Nick Jones. Jonathon Brown will join as CEO designate on 7 September 2022 and will take over fully at the end of next month “following a short handover period” from Jones.

He’s “a proven leader with a strong track record of improving performance and implementing strategic transformation programmes across several digital and retail businesses”.

He began his career in various marketing and digital roles, including at Schroders, British Airways and Coca-Cola. And he’s held senior positions at insurer Aviva, where he was Head of e-Channels; DIY retailer Kingfisher, where he was Director of Multichannel; and John Lewis, where he was Omnichannel Director. He was also previously CEO of MandM Direct, “where he executed a successful turnaround plan”, and COO of Photobox Group. Most recently, he was CEO of Compare the Market, “where he led the business through a successful period of strategic transformation and growth”.

So he clearly has very wide experience, including at businesses selling fashion and lifestyle goods and in roles that focused on blending online and off-line activities.

Brown said of his new job: “Joules is a very strong brand, with a highly relevant purpose and product proposition. The group's digitalisation in recent years as well as its increased customer base mean it has very solid foundations for the future.

“Whilst there have been some headwinds in the past year, I am very excited by the business's future opportunities. The group is making strong progress against its clear plans to improve profitability by simplifying the business and optimising the cost base.”

And Non-Executive Chairman Ian Filby added: “The board was in unanimous agreement that, amongst some very high calibre candidates, Jonathan was the standout choice to be our new CEO. He has significant experience across the retail and digital industries, a proven track record of delivering business transformation, and the vision and ambition to lead Joules through the next stages of its development.

“I would again like to place on record the group's thanks to Nick for his contributions during his time with Joules, and in particular his continued outstanding commitment and drive over recent months. Under Nick's leadership Joules has made good progress against its strategy to develop as a digital-led lifestyle group and, more recently, he has spearheaded the implementation of several important strategic initiatives that the board believes will underpin the group's future success.”

Joules names Jonathon Brown as new CEO

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