Next has appointed former Asos ESG boss Jodie Leek to lead brand sales and marketing as the retailer continues to grow its fashion brand portfolio.

Leek joins the high street giant with more than 25 years’ experience across global sourcing, supply chain management, brand engagement and sustainability.

She spent seven years at Asos, most recently as head of ESG, where she oversaw brand engagement and led work across human rights due diligence, environmental performance, chemical compliance and animal welfare.

Before joining Asos, Leek spent just over seven months at UK denim manufacturer Moseley Road.

She also previously worked at Tesco, where she held buying roles across menswear, womenswear and kidswear.

Her appointment comes as Next continues to build a broader brand-led business across fashion, footwear and lifestyle.

The retailer has expanded through acquisitions, investment deals and brand partnerships in recent years, including its purchase of Made.com, Cath Kidston and JoJo Maman Bébé, alongside stakes in businesses such as Reiss and FatFace.

Next has also been growing its Total Platform operation, which provides ecommerce, warehousing, distribution and customer service infrastructure for third-party brands.

Leek’s background across sourcing, supply chains, partner brands and ESG gives Next additional experience in areas that have become increasingly important as retailers face closer scrutiny over product standards, supplier relationships and sustainability commitments.

The appointment also comes at a time when Next is managing a tougher cost backdrop.

The retailer recently increased the estimated impact of disruption linked to the Middle East conflict to £47m, up from the £15m guidance it issued in March.

It said it would look to raise prices in international markets from May, although cost-saving measures meant it did not expect to push through additional price increases in the UK and Europe.

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