Manchester-based online fashion retailer N Brown announced the appointment of Tesco UK CEO Matt Davies as its chairman elect with immediate effect.

Prior to Tesco, Davies was CEO of Halfords and CEO of Pets at Home.        

N Brown’s brands include JD Williams, Simply Be and Jacamo.

Davies will assume the role of chairman from May 1, 2018, succeeding Andrew Higginson who will retire.

Higginson said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt Davies to N Brown. 

“Matt is a first-class retailer and brings a wealth of experience to the group. 

“He has a proven track record of value creation across retail and online through his roles as CEO of Tesco UK and ROI and as CEO of Halfords and Pets at Home.  

“It has been a privilege to chair the company through the past five years, and I wish the business every success in the coming years.”

Davies said: “I am delighted and excited to be taking on this role.

“I am really looking forward to working with Angela (N Brown CEO Angela Spindler), her team and my fellow non-executive directors to further develop and grow the N Brown business.”

N Brown’s senior independent director Ron McMillan, who led the selection process, said:  “Having conducted a thorough process it was clear that Matt was the best fit to be our next chair.

“He has huge experience of retail and online businesses and will be a strong addition to the N Brown board, bringing knowledge, leadership and customer focus.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Andy for his considerable help and guidance over the past five years and wish him well going forward.”

Davies is currently CEO of Tesco UK and Ireland, a role he will leave at the end of April 2018 following Tesco’s proposed merger with Booker plc.