Sir Stuart Rose to join Fat Face board

Former Marks & Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose is to replace Alan

Giles as chairman of fashion and lifestyle retailer Fat Face when Giles steps down later this year.

Giles, who has chaired the retailer for almost seven years, has announced that he will depart the brand on July 26.

Rose, who has also been chief executive of Arcadia and last month he was named the next chairman of online grocer Ocado, will join the Fat Face board on March 1 ahead of succeeding Giles at the end of July.

Commenting on the appointment and Giles stepping down, Anthony Thompson, chief executive of Fat Face, said: “Alan is a tremendous supporter of our plans to invest in quality, style and value for money and helped steer us in building a stronger business for better times.

“On behalf of the entire Board I would like to thank him for his significant contribution. I now look forward to welcoming Stuart and working with him. His skills and experience will be invaluable as Fat Face enters a new phase of growth.”

Giles added: “Fat Face is now performing well and the company is positively positioned for a record year. With the brand on firm foundations and a strong management team in place I feel that it is now time to hand over to a new chairman.

“I am confident that Stuart, working with Anthony Thompson, will be a powerful driver of yet further success for Fat Face.”