Matalan boss steps down

Matalan’s Chief Executive Darren Blackhurst has stepped down from the fashion

retailer to pursue “other opportunities”.

Blackhurst, who joined the retailer in May 2011, is handing over the reins to Jason Hargreaves, the son of Matalan founder John Hargreaves, after the retailer's first quarter sales to May 25 plunged 7.2 percent to 258.6 million pounds.

Hargreaves, who is Matalan’s seventh boss in 12 years, has been appointed Managing Director, and he said: “I’m very enthusiastic for the future of the company and look forward to working with everyone to deliver the opportunities that exist going forward.”

Additionally, Stephen Hill has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer of Matalan.