Directorate Change

RNS Number : 8928E

Next PLC

16 May 2013

 



Date:	Thursday 16 May 2013
Contacts:	Lord Wolfson, Chief Executive
	David Keens, Group Finance Director
	NEXT PLC	Tel:  [phone]
	Alistair Mackinnon-Musson
	Rowbell PR	Tel:  [phone]
	Email: [e-mail]

NEXT PLC

BOARD CHANGES

After 27 years with Next and 22 years on the Board of Next plc, Andrew Varley (62) has decided to retire from the Group next year.  Andrew plans to leave Next in June 2014; between now and that time he will continue in his role as Property Director but will step down from the Board on 31 May 2013.

Andrew has been an immensely important part of Next's history and success.  During his time with the Group he has served as Managing Director of Retail, Managing Director of Directory and, since 1991, in his current role as Group Property Director.  In this position, Andrew has taken our property portfolio from 1 million square feet in 1991 to almost 7 million today. 

Andrew's departure next year does not represent a change to the strategy of the business; the profitable expansion of our trading space remains a key part of the Group's plans going forward.

It is intended thatMichael Law, Group Operations Director, and Jane Shields, Group Sales and Marketing Director, will join the Board of Next plc as Executive Directors on Monday 01 July 2013.

Jane Shields (49) joined Next Retail in 1985 as a Sales Assistant in one of our London stores.  Jane worked her way up through Store Management to be appointed Sales Director in 2000, responsible for all store operations and training.  In 2006 Jane took additional responsibility for Retail Marketing and in 2010 was appointed Group Sales and Marketing Director, adding Directory and On-line Marketing to her portfolio.

Michael Law (51) joined the Group in 1995 as Call Centre Manager for the Next Directory.  Michael was appointed Call Centre Director in 2003.  In 2006 Michael took responsibility for Group IT and in 2010 was appointed Group Operations Director, adding Warehousing and Logistics to his portfolio.  Michael is now responsible for all Systems, Warehousing, Logistics and Call Centres within the Group.

The Board confirms that no other disclosures need to be made under Listing Rule 9.6.13 in respect of these appointments.

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