Matalan appoints new chairman

Budget fashion and homeware retailer Matalan has announced the appointment of

former Asda CEO Allan Leighton as its new chairman.

Leighton will replace current chairman John Mills who is to become deputy chairman after being in the position for six years.

The appointment will see Leighton returning to the value fashion sector less than a year after the collapse of Peacocks, where he was also chairman, and will add to his non-executive chairmanships at footwear retailer Office, Pace and jewellery brand Pandora.

Commenting on the appointment, Mills said: "I am delighted to welcome Allan to the Board. He brings a wealth of retail experience particularly in the value sector, which will support Matalan’s ongoing development."

Leighton added: "I am very excited about this opportunity; Matalan is a great company with a strong brand and management team. I look forward to working with the team to build on its fantastic reputation as a family retailer."