// Richard Bradbury will return to River Island as chief executive effective from January 1
// Bradbury retired from the retailer back in 2010 to concentrate on other interests
Richard Bradbury will return as River Island’s chief executive after 12 years since leaving the fashion retailer.
He will succeed Will Kernan effective from January 1, who stepped down in November after three years at the helm.
Bradbury was the first person outside of the founding Lewis family to run River Island and retired from his role as chief executive in 2010 after 20 years working in the company.
Clive Lewis, who will stand down as chair, notified staff of the changes today, Retail Week has learned.
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He said: “Will’s last day as CEO will be December 31 and he will remain with the business until the end of April to oversee the implementation of key digital projects.
“I am pleased to announce that, with effect from January 1, Richard Bradbury will rejoin the business as executive chair with full responsibilities for leadership of the business.
“I will continue as a non-executive director and will work closely with Richard as will the rest of the board
“Will led the business through a very difficult period and I have very much enjoyed working with him.
“He made a significant contribution and we wish him the very best for the future.”
In September, River Island posted a £51.5 million pre-tax loss for the year to December 26 2020 reporting that trading had been “more challenging” due to costs and economic uncertainty.
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