Sir Stuart Rose becomes Blue Inc chairman

Former Marks & Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose has returned

to the UK high street by joining fashion retailer Blue Inc as chairman.

The chairmanship is Rose’s first major corporate role since leaving the UK retail sector 18 months ago, when he stepped down as chairman and chief executive of M&S after six years. Since retiring from M&S, Rose has invested in online retailer Hut Group and private equity house Bridgepoint, as well as investing in Blue Inc last year.

Blue Inc, which sells brands such as Ben Sherman and Boyz Stuff, operates nearly 200 stores across the UK and in 2011 the company extended its presence with the acquisition of 46 Officers Club stores out of administration, and earlier this year the retailer also snapped up 20 stores from fashion chain D2 Jeans.

The retailer is led by managing director Steven Cohen and is understood to be on track to deliver £80m of sales and £5.5m of profits this year, up 70 per cent and 82 per cent respectively on the previous year.