19 Feb 2016 07:00
19th February 2016
MOSS BROS GROUP PLC
DIRECTOR CHANGE and SENIOR APPOINTMENT
Appointment of Finance Director
Moss Bros Group PLC ("the Group or "the Company") is delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Bennett as Group Finance Director. Tony will take over the role from Robin Piggott, who announced his intention to retire in September 2015. It is anticipated that Tony will join the business on the 15th August 2016. Robin will step down from the Board at the Company's AGM in May and will continue to work with the Group until Tony joins.
Tony is currently the Finance Director for Charles Tyrwhitt, the multi-channel Menswear retailer, which he joined in 2009. Prior to that he was the Head of Commercial Finance at Selfridges Retail Ltd and before that Chief Financial Officer at Confetti Network Ltd.
He has a deep commercial background in online, multi-site and international consumer businesses, with highly relevant experience in Menswear. Throughout his career, he has worked in businesses where customer focus, brand development and multi-channel execution have been critical to driving growth.
There is no information in relation to Tony Bennett's current or prior directorships that requires notification for the purpose of Listing Rule 9.6.13.
Appointment of Chief Operating Officer
The Group is also delighted to announce the appointment of Paula Minowa as Chief Operating Officer. Paula will join the Group on 1st March 2016 and will become a member of the Executive Committee, reporting to Brian Brick. In this newly created role, she will have accountability for the customer journey across all channels and across all territories.
Paula was previously the CEO for STRAUSS INNOVATION GmbH, a German multi-channel Lifestyle retailer and prior to that she has held a variety of general management, brand management and merchandising roles for leading retailers, including MD at Ann Summers, Brand and Communications Director for ASDA and MD for Boots Retail Taiwan Ltd.
With her strong FMCG marketing, multi channel and international background Paula brings a wealth of experience in delivering growth for a variety of mainstream retailers.
Brian Brick commented:
"I am delighted to welcome both Tony and Paula to Moss Bros Group. Tony has considerable experience across a variety of different consumer businesses, with different channel strategies and will no doubt bring valuable insights to the business.
Paula brings strong experience in brand management, multi-channel expertise and first class general management credentials in International businesses.
We have in recent years established Moss Bros as a growing and successful Menswear business. Tony and Paula join us at a time where we have considerable opportunity to leverage the Moss Bros brand further in new channels and new territories. I believe that their combined experience will allow them to make an immediate contribution. I am personally very excited about leading the business through this next phase of growth and am looking forward very much to working with them both.
Once again, we'd like to thank Robin for the great contribution he has made and wish him well in his retirement."
Tony Bennett commented:
"I am delighted to be joining Moss Bros Group at this point in time. It's a great business, with significant potential for further growth. The strong heritage that the brand has gives me great confidence about its potential both here and overseas. I look forward to working with Brian and the Moss Bros team to deliver this next phase of the Company's strategy."
Paula Minowa commented:
"I am really pleased to be joining the Company in this new role. The scope of the role will allow me to develop growth plans that are focused entirely around the customer journey, whichever channel, to grow our presence in the UK and to pilot opportunities overseas. This is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate the Group's already impressive track record of growth. I am really looking forward to working with Brian and the rest of the team."
For further information please contact:
Moss Bros Group Plc: 0207 447 7251
Brian Brick, Chief Executive Officer
Debbie Hewitt, Chairman
Buchanan: 0207 466 5000
Charles Ryland/Victoria Watkins