// Matalan promotes interim buying and merchandising director Ben Smith to the newly created role of chief trading officer
// Smith has over 25 years of buying experience and has previously worked at Pep&Co, Primark and Peacocks
Matalan has appointed former Primark executive Ben Smith to the new role of chief trading officer with immediate effect.
Smith has been the retailer’s interim buying and merchandising director since March this year and will report into chief executive Jo Whitfield, Retail Week reported.
His appointment comes as buying director Toni Craig and sourcing and imports director David Mellett are to step down from their roles.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
Smith carries over 25 years of buying experience and has previously held several trading and buying roles at Primark before becoming a trading director at Pep&Co.
“Ben’s extensive and proven track record within retail and executive trading roles will benefit Matalan as we enter our next phase of growth with confidence,” said Whitfield.
“This new senior position will enable our focus on strengthening our commercial proposition and offering the great quality and value that our customers trust us for at Matalan.”
Last month, the retailer tapped former Co-op customer and community director Ali Jones for its newly created chief customer and omni-channel officer role.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
