Coast appoints new creative director

Occasionwear specialist Coast has appointed former Marks & Spencer’s womenswear design director Neil

Hendy as its new creative director.

Hendy, who was appointed by Kate Bostock, the former head of clothing at Marks & Spencer who joined the retailer last September, is part of Bostock’s plans to turn around the retailer and to broaden the product offering of the brand.

In his new role, Hendy will be responsible for everything from design to marketing, as well as Coast’s visual image and PR. Coast’s current design director Kim Elliot will remain at the retailer and will report into Hendy.

Coast has also hired Aurora Fashions exec Jess Wilks as global digital and strategy director with immediate effect to oversee the brand’s digital offer. The appointment will allow Coast’s deputy managing director Jo McWilliams to take on a new role of global operations director.