Fashion retailer Weird Fish has appointed former Crew Clothing CEO David Butler as its new chief executive to drive an “aggressive” expansion plan.
The exec will overtake John Stockton who has run the business since 2008 and “transformed it from a niche to a mainstream leisure clothing brand” according to a statement from the company.
Stockton has agreed to remain with the retailer to help it develop its international business.
Butler served as Crew Clothing CEO for seven years before leaving in May, and doubled the company’s sales to over £120m.
The retail veteran hopes to “emulate” this success at Weird Fish, as well as develop its wholesale and international business.
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Butler described Weird Fish as a “well-established and well-regarded business that has never realised its full potential”.
He claimed the brand’s growth plan would be “driven aggressively by store expansion through concessions, shop openings and partners”.
Weird Fish chairwoman Sally Bailey said:
“I’d like to welcome David to the Weird Fish shoal. He has significant retail experience both in the UK and overseas and a proven track record in developing clothing businesses. I look forward to him leading the brand to further success.”
Weird Fish has 26 stores throughout the UK as well as 300 stockists such as Next and John Lewis.
The group’s turnover is forecast to be over £37m this year, according to figures seen by The Times.
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