Bonmarché names new chairman

Value fashion retailer Bonmarché has named former House of Fraser chief executive John Coleman as its new chairman, following Tim Mason’s decision to step down as chairman.

Coleman is currently an independent non-executive director of Bonmarché and chairman of the remuneration committee. As well as previously working for House of Fraser, Coleman also served as managing director of Dorothy Perkins, Topman and Topshop.

In a short statement, Bonmarché confirmed that Mason was also stepping down as a partner of its majority shareholder Sun European Partners, and that Michael Hayes Kalb has joined the Bonmarché board as Sun's appointee, as a non-independent, non-executive director.

Beth Butterwick, Bonmarché chief executive, said: "We are delighted that John has assumed the role of chairman. His experience as a non-executive director of the company, coupled with his impressive track record in the retail sector will serve us well. I would also like to welcome Michael to the Bonmarché Board, and look forward to working with him."