David McCorquodale has joined the KPMG/Ipsos Retail Think Tank (RTT) following the November departure of Helen Dickinson, it was announced today.
As KPMG‘s UK head of retail, Mr McCorquodale is responsible for leading and developing the firm‘s retail practice in the UK.
Since joining KPMG in 1984 he has been involved in founding the firm‘s corporate finance business and advised on such high profile retail transactions as the sales of Card Factory, Dreams, Peacocks, Blacks Leisure and JJB Sports.
He will join the RTT in the place of Helen Dickinson, who left KPMG in November to become Director General of the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Commenting on his appointment, Mr McCorquodale said: “I am delighted to join the RTT, which has a strong reputation for providing insight into the pertinent issues facing the retail sector today.
“Retailers are servicing a consumer that does not have the confidence to spend like they did five years ago.
“In addition, they are having to tackle many other challenges in an increasingly competitive environment – from the pressures to reduce their store portfolio to the ongoing need to invest in a multichannel infrastructure.
“I look forward to working with the RTT members to debate the issues troubling retailers and suggesting steps they can take to resolve them.”
Founded in February 2006 by KPMG and Ipsos Retail performance, the RTT meets quarterly and aims to be a trusted voice on issues affecting the retail industry. It has eight members including Mr McCorquodale.
Dr Tim Denison, Head of Retail Intelligence at Ipsos Retail Performace and co-founder of the RTT, commented: “These are challenging times for British retailing and there has never been a more important time in the short history of the KPMG-Ipsos Retail Think Tank to provide considered and authoritative commentary and thought leadership on the UK retail sector.
“I‘m delighted that David has been appointed to the RTT.
“His experience and knowledge will be a great asset.”
