White Stuff taps Martin Newman as non-executive director

Fashion and lifestyle label White Stuff has announced the appointment of founder and CEO of Practicology, Martin Newman as a non-executive director to its board, effective 1 September. “I am really excited to be joining White Stuff and to becoming part of a business publicly recognized for its

engagement with its people and its customers,” commented Newman on his appointment in a press release. “There is a significant opportunity to develop both the multi-channel offering and internationalisation of the business and I am looking forward to working with all of the White Stuff team to deliver that growth.”

White Stuff takes on multichannel and e-commerce veteran

Newman brings with him over 25 years of experience working in e-commerce and multichannel retailing to the company. Prior to founding Practicology, a global strategic e-commerce and multichannel consulting practice in 2009, he held positions as head of e-commerce at British fashion labels Ted Baker and Burberry and was interim director for e-commerce at Pentlands brands.

“We are delighted to welcome Martin to White Stuff. He has an impeccable track record of developing multi-channel businesses and is renowned for bringing sharp customer insight to the businesses that he works with,” said Debbie Hewitt, chairman at White Stuff.

“He has very valuable experience of working at board level with retail businesses and is culturally aligned to the strong customer ethos that permeates White Stuff. His experience will enable him to make an immediate contribution to the company and accelerate our progress in online. We look forward very much to working with him.”

However, at the same time Newman eases into his role at White Stuff, Alastair Kerr, currently a non-executive director at White Stuff, is set to step down from the board after holding his position for nearly six years.

Kerr, who joined the lifestyle retailer in 2009, has been credited for playing a key role within the company; “specifically influencing the shape of our retail offer, the development of the store portfolio and bringing international insight to the business,” commented White Stuff in a press release.

“We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Alastair,” added Hewitt. “He has made a considerable contribution during his tenure and we are very grateful for the key role he has played in planning and delivering the Board’s succession plans. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future.”