Joe Browns names new chairman

Online and mail order retailer Joe Browns has named former Aurora Fashions chairman Derek Lovelock as its new chairman to succeed Peter Higgins who is stepping down after eight years in the role.

The move comes as Joe Browns prepares to open the first in a series of retail stores in the UK and overseas after reporting a rise of more than 30 percent in direct sales in the last two years.

Commenting on Higgins’ departure, Simon Brown, managing director of Joe Browns, said: “It’s been a glorious eight years and a lot of fun. He’s built a first-class team here and I have a lot to thank him for.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Derek on board at such an exciting time for the company. This step will make us a true multichannel retailer and give people that haven’t heard of our brand the full Joe Browns experience.”

Lovelock has spent his entire career in fashion retail, most notably as the chairman of Aurora Fashions comprising of Karen Millen, Coast, Oasis and Warehouse, as well as most recently as the executive chairman of Mamas and Papas and a non-executive chairman of Jack Wills, which he will continue to undertake.