Matalan has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Steve Ridehalgh as director of international, as the value retailer looks to speed up its global expansion plans.
Ridehalgh reports to chief retail officer Katherine Davis and will focus on opening new overseas markets and building franchise partnerships as part of Matalan’s wider transformation programme.
Ridehalgh brings long experience in global retail, with more than 20 years of helping British fashion brands grow abroad.
The retail veteran began his career with Alshaya Group in Saudi Arabia before moving to BHS to oversee international operations.
He later joined Aurora Fashions, where he supported expansion at Oasis, Warehouse and Coast, leading on franchise deals and new market entries.
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More recently, he worked as franchise director at Debenhams and then as a partner at PartnerWise Franchise, advising retailers on global strategy.
His appointment comes as Matalan continues to reshape its senior team.
In October, former George at Asda buying and design head Ruth Golightly joined as head of buying for childrenswear, while in February 2026, the company will welcome its new CEO, former H&M UK managing director Henrik Nordvall.
In recent months, the retailer has also added Jo Bennett, previously at John Lewis and Sainsbury’s, as director of buying and design; Jon Williams, also ex-John Lewis, as director of trading, planning and merchandising; and two senior marketing and digital leaders, Eilidh MacAskill and Andreas Nicolaides, who bring experience from Ocado, Asda, Monsoon Accessorize and John Lewis.
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