Jack Wills brings in new chief executive

Preppy brand Jack Wills announced that on October 15th,

chief operations officer, Wendy Becker, will be taking on the role of chief executive. She will be taking over the position from co-founder Peter Williams, who will remain on the board as non-executive director.

Wendy Becker is named chief executive

Williams stated in a interview that he is “absolutely delighted that Wendy has agreed to lead the business.” Together they have concocted a concise three-year strategy to enable the continual growth of Jack Wills. Willams also mentioned he had been waiting for the opportune moment to “hand on the baton” to a team that will be able to take the brand to the next level. In his new role of non-executive director, Williams remains on the company board to assistance Wendy and the team as they adjust to the internal changes. Whilst he remains a major shareholder in the company, Willams is pleased that he has more spare time to devote to “broader charitable and investment interests.” Becker, who joined the company last year September as chief operating officer is also ‘delighted’ to be named chief executive. Since joining the brand, she has been credited with introducing a new ‘organizational structure’, as well as strengthening the company’s ‘operating board.’ Becker stated that she believes that Jack Wills is a “great company with a brand that has huge appeal around the world,” and looks forward to having Williams guidance as the company continues to expand.

In 1999 the brand opened its first store in Devon, with Williams and fellow co-founder Robert Shaw building their brand around the image concept of ‘university outfitters.’ Now Jack Wills has grown throughout the UK, with franchisees opening in the US, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. Future plans for the company include store expansion in the UK, as well as increasing the brand presence in main international markets.