// Ted Baker has appointed John Barton has its new chairman
// He replaces David Bernstein, who left in December, along with CEO Lindsay Page
// The appointment means Ted Baker’s two key leadership positions have now been filled
Ted Baker’s two key leadership positions have now been filled after the fashion retailer appointed John Barton as its new chairman.
Barton will take up his position as non-executive chairman of the Ted Baker board in July.
His appointment comes after chief financial officer Rachel Osborne was chief executive at the end of March.
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Barton will replace David Bernstein, who left Ted Baker in December – along with former chief executive Lindsay Page – in the wake of a series of profit warnings and an accounting scandal.
Barton is currently chairman of EasyJet but has previously been chairman of high street stalwart Next and a senior independent director for WHSmith.
Sharon Baylay will continue in her role as acting chair until Barton formally joins the board.
“Following a thorough and competitive search process, the board is delighted that John is joining us as chairman and we look forward to welcoming him to Ted Baker,” Baylay said.
“His significant experience in a number of leading customer facing businesses, including very relevant experience from his time spent leading the board at Next plc, will be of great value as we continue the journey to transform the business.”
Barton said: “It is an honour to be appointed chairman of this iconic British brand at such a critical time and I would like to extend my huge thanks to Sharon for leading the Board in the interim period.
“These are unprecedented times, and while I do not underestimate the significant challenges ahead of us, Ted Baker has strong foundations from which to build: a refreshed and committed leadership team, fronted by Rachel Osborne; dedicated and loyal colleagues; a strong brand which resonates with customers; diversified income streams and a well-invested, omni-channel platform.
“I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members and leadership team to steer the group through this period of transformation in the years ahead.”
Ted Baker has placed approximately 2000 staff members – about 75 per cent of the retailer’s workforce – on furlough as a result of lockdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile last month the British retailer agreed terms for the sale of its London head office, the Ugly Brown Building, for £78.8 million.
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