Mothercare has lost its second senior figure this month as its non-executive chairman Alan Parker jumps ship from the struggling retailer.
Earlier this month its former chief executive Mark Newton-Jones was forced out from the retailer, with sources telling the Retail Gazette that the board was not happy with the progress he was making in its turnaround.
Though the reasons for Parker’s departure have not been made clear, he will leave with immediate effect and be succeeded on an interim basis by Clive Whiley, who has been given a minimum nine-month term.
The string of high-profile departures come just weeks after the company announced it was mulling a company voluntary agreement in which it could shutter up to 47 of its 143 store-estate.
Although a transformation plan was launched under Newton-Jones, Mothercare has been struggling since 2017, when it reported losses of £700,000 in its interim results.
“After completing six years as chairman, I feel the time is right to hand over the chairmanship of Mothercare to Clive,” Parker said.
“His experience of successful restructuring and refinancing will help steer Mothercare through its next phase.
“I am very pleased that he is taking on the role and wish him, the board and Mothercare’s management team every success in the future.”
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