House of Fraser has finally revealed the name of its new chief executive, with Alex Williamson set to take the helm from July 31.
Williamson will join the department store chain from sporting estate Goodwood, where he has been chief executive since December 2012. Prior to that, he was group managing director but joined the company in 2008 as chief financial officer.
Williamson led Goodwood through a period of substantial growth and development, enhancing the customers and employees’ experiences while working to globalise the brand.
Before Goodwood, Williamson was head of finance at TUI Travel, and has held a variety of other roles in the leisure and hospitality industries.
Williamson’s appointment comes six months after the previous chief executive, Nigel Oddy, announced his sudden resignation weeks before last year’s crucial Christmas trading period. He had been in the role for just under two years.
Given Williamson’s career heavily spent in leisure, his move to House of Fraser comes just two months the retailer set out its five-year strategy and vision, which has an onus on customer experience to bring its profits and footfall back to healthy levels.
READ MORE: Champagne bars, revamped website & less fashion labels: House of Fraser‘s new 5-year vision
“Having recently set out our vision for the future of House of Fraser, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Alex Williamson as our new CEO,” House of Fraser executive chairman Frank Slevin said.
“Alex is uniquely placed to execute our vision, and to contribute his extensive expertise of delivering compelling and engaging experiences for the customer.
“Over the last two years, we have built a very strong management team, with particular expertise across the key disciplines in retail.
“This has enabled us to make an appointment that is a clear statement of the direction we intend to take, placing the customer at the centre of our business.”
Alex Williamson said: “I have had the most extraordinary nine years at Goodwood working with Lord March and the team on a broad range of projects.
“I am very pleased to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time for House of Fraser, another great premium British brand. I am looking forward to working with Frank and the strong management team to bring to bear House of Fraser‘s engaging and innovative vision.”
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