LONDON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Kate Bostock, the former boss ofclothing at Marks & Spencer, has returned to Britain'sstores sector as chief executive of Coast, the privately ownedwomen's fashion chain said on Wednesday.
Bostock quit online fashion retailer ASOS in Julyafter just seven months as executive director of product andtrading, deciding the fast-growing online fashion firm thattargets young women looking to emulate the designer looks ofcelebrities wasn't for her.
She previously spent eight years at Marks & Spencer,Britain's biggest clothing retailer, as head of generalmerchandise, making her one of the most powerful women in theretail sector.
Bostock, 56, has also worked for Next, Britain'ssecond-largest clothing retailer, and for the George brand atAsda, a subsidiary of the world's largest retailer, Wal-MartStores Inc.
She will join Coast in September and will work closely withchairman Derek Lovelock and the senior management team, with afocus on broadening the brand's offer beyond mainly formal wear,as well as online development and international expansion.
The firm currently trades from 370 stores in 26 countries.International sales already contribute over 35 percent of thebrand's turnover.
Her appointment comes after Coast's former parent, AuroraFashions, partly owned by Icelandic bank Kaupthing, unveiledplans in March to make Coast a stand-alone business and combineits two other retailers, Oasis and Warehouse, into a newbusiness.
Analysts said Bostock's appointment may lead to speculationthat Coast plans to float in the future.
Marks & Spencer (MKS)