Morleys Department Stores appoints Ray Clacher as new CEO

Morleys Department Stores has announced a significant shake-up of its senior leadership team as the historic retailer prepares for a new phase of growth. Ray Clacher has been appointed as the group’s new chief executive officer, effective January 5, 2026. Clacher, who most recently served as chief commercial officer at BrandAlley, brings an extensive retail pedigree to the role, including previous leadership positions at House of Fraser and within the Li & Fung Group. He succeeds Allan Winstanley, who is scheduled to step down at the end of December 2025 following a successful tenure at the helm of the business.

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the group, which is currently gearing up for the high-profile opening of Jollys in August 2026. Clacher expressed enthusiasm for joining the company during this expansion, noting Morleys' "proud history and a strong position in the UK department store market".

Bernard Dreesmann, chairman of Morleys, praised Clacher’s "breadth of experience across premium fashion and commercial retail," stating that his background makes him uniquely qualified to lead the company's next chapter.

In addition to the CEO transition, the group confirmed that buying director Daren Gittins will be leaving the business on April 30, 2026. Gittins, a 13-year veteran of the company, is credited with playing a "pivotal role" in shaping the group's buying strategy.