// Selfridges names Andrew Keith as new MD for its UK business
// He takes over from Simon Forster, who left in February
// Selfridges Group MD Anne Pitcher has been taking care of the role on an interim basis
Selfridges has announced the appointment of Andrew Keith as its new managing director, replacing Simon Forster who resigned just weeks before the pandemic gripped the UK.
Keith will join the luxury department store February next year, and will be responsible for steering the Selfridges stores in Birmingham, Manchester and the famous Oxford Street flagship, plus the online store.
Anne Pitcher, managing director of parent company Selfridges Group, has been covering the role on an interim basis since Forster excited the retailer in February this year.
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“I am delighted that Andrew Keith is to become our new managing director for Selfridges & Co and will join us in February 2021,” she said.
“With Andrew’s knowledge and experience in creating exciting physical and digital destinations and of successfully leading an 170 year old business in a rapidly changing market, we can look forward to exploring new opportunities under his leadership as we continue to reinvent retail.”
Keith has been president of premier Asian department store Lane Crawford since 2011.
During his time at the helm, he oversaw the retailer’s expansion into mainland China, growing sales across all channels.
“I could not be more pleased to be joining Selfridges, with its inspiring and creative destinations that openly welcome everyone through its doors and online,” Keith said.
“Selfridges’ commitment to people and planet aligns to my own values and, I look forward to partnering with the team to deliver exceptional destinations and experiences for our customers.”
Keith’s role with solely focus on the Selfridges fascia in the UK, and is not to be confused with Selfridges Group, which comprises 26 stores in four countries, including Arnotts and Brown Thomas in Ireland, De Bijenkorf in The Netherlands, Holt Renfrew in Canada and Selfridges in the UK.
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