Primark has today announced the appointment of Lucy Slinger as chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team ahead of becoming a standalone business.
Slinger joins from Ingka Group, the largest IKEA franchisee, where she served as deputy CFO. Ingka operates across 32 countries, giving Slinger experience in another major international retail and consumer business.
Before joining Ingka, she spent more than two decades at Shell in senior finance roles spanning financial reporting, corporate finance, group planning and appraisal, as well as CFO of the energy giant’s global aviation business.
Primark said Slinger ‘brings expertise in finance transformation, operational and financial performance management, strategic capital allocation, financial discipline and governance across complex global businesses and supply chains’.
Her appointment comes as Primark continues to push ahead with international expansion and prepares for its future as a standalone entity.
Primark chief executive Eoin Tonge said Slinger was joining the business “at such an important moment”.
He said: “She brings deep financial expertise from large global organisations, alongside an impressive track record in disciplined investment and operational performance.
“As we accelerate our growth strategy and prepare for a standalone future, her leadership will be invaluable. I look forward to working closely with her as we shape the next phase of Primark’s growth.”
Slinger said: “I am excited to be joining Primark at such a pivotal point in its journey.
“Primark is a unique business with a strong growth ambition and distinctive customer proposition, built on making great fashion accessible while continuing to drive quality and sustainability.
“I look forward to working with Eoin and colleagues across the business as Primark continues to grow internationally and invest for the future.”
The hire follows the appointment of Filip Ekvall as chief commercial officer in March, further building out Tonge’s senior leadership team.
Primark, which was founded in Ireland in 1969, now operates more than 480 stores across 19 countries in Europe, the US and the Middle East. The retailer employs more than 80,000 staff.
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