Radley names new CEO

Radley + Co, parent company of British leather goods and accessories label Radley, has named Justin Stead as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from May 6.

Stead, who previously was CEO of luxury jewellery retailer Aurum Holdings before exiting in the company in 2014, will be replacing Xavier Simonet at Radley + Co. Earlier this year the company had announced the impending departure of Simonet, who was taking on a new challenge as CEO of Australian outdoor label Kathmandu.

In his new role, Stead will oversee the daily management of Radley + Co labels whilst reporting directly to Roger Best, company chairman. He will retain his role as chairman and investor at Sofa.com after joining the company. Best commented to WWD that he believes Stead’s “considerable … experience of developing international distribution and accessories brands will be of significant benefit to us as we grow internationally.”

Stead added: “As a distinctive London brand, [Radley + Co] has all the ingredients to compete on the world stage.”