McArthurGlen creates new deputy chairman role

Designer discount outlet retailer McArthurGlen Group

has appointed Simon Johnston as deputy chairman, in what is a newly created executive position.

Joining from commercial law firm Nabarro, Johnston has had a long relationship with McArthurGlen, in the mid-1990s he was the company’s key legal advisor when the outlet was first set up in Europe, prior to the opening of its first site at Cheshire Oaks, near Chester.

J W Kaempfer, Jr. chairman, McArthurGlen Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Simon to McArthurGlen at a time when the company is undergoing a period of unprecedented expansion.

“Simon’s professional experience and wisdom, and his long relationship with our company, will be pivotal in leading McArthurGlen into a new period of growth; this is in terms of not only the amount of retail space that we operate, and the number of centres, but also the McArthurGlen brand itself and the quality of the shopping experience that we offer our nearly 100 million customers annually.”

Johnston added: “This is a very exciting time for me to be joining McArthurGlen. It is a dynamic business, with a great track record and exceptional group of people. I am delighted to be part of this next phase of its development as it builds on its market-leading position in Europe and looks to explore new opportunities beyond its traditional market.”

The Group currently has 21 McArthurGlen Designer Outlets in eight countries across Europe and its 22nd outlet is due to open in late 2014 in Vancouver, Canada, the first outside Europe.