Morleys Department Stores has appointed Melanie Smallwood as its new chief trading officer, as the independent department store group continues to build out its senior leadership team ahead of its centenary in 2027.

Smallwood will join the business in April in the newly created role, reporting directly to chief executive Ray Clacher. She will take responsibility for the group’s buying and merchandising operations.

She brings more than 30 years of retail experience to the role, having held senior positions at Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Most recently, she served as chief commercial and brand partnerships officer at Global Fashion Group, where she oversaw trading and commercial strategy across 12 countries.

Her appointment follows a broader reshaping of the Morleys leadership team, with Judd Wilson joining as chief financial officer in October and Clacher taking over as chief executive in January.

Chair Bernard Dreesmann said Smallwood’s arrival came at an important point for the business as it looks to invest in growth and reinforce the position of independent department stores.

He said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Melanie Smallwood to the group. We are extremely flattered that Melanie has agreed to join us at this critical time for the business.

“Our new management team, together with a multi-million pound investment into our latest new store, Jolly’s of Bath, opening later this year, signifies our commitment to strengthening the independent department store sector. Melanie’s extensive department store career will prove invaluable to us.”

Clacher added that Smallwood was widely respected across the premium and luxury retail sector and said her appointment was another important step in the group’s next phase of development.

“I could not be happier that we managed to convince Melanie to join us on this exciting journey for this group, which will proudly be 100 years old in 2027,” he said.

“I look forward to working with Melanie and all the senior team to show that the community department store is still a vital mainstay of the British high street.”

The appointment comes as Morleys prepares to open Jolly’s of Bath later this year, part of a wider investment push as it looks to expand its presence and modernise the traditional department store model.

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