Reiss celebrates as Angelides takes CEO's post

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Feb 20, 2017

Christos Angelides has been named CEO at Reiss, confounding expectations that he would take the top clothing role at M&S.

The news came after French Connection Group said Monday that the respected fashion exec, who is currently a non-executive director, has informed the board “that he has accepted an executive role at a fashion retailer that is considered to be a direct competitor to French Connection.”

He leaves at the end of this month and a search for additional non-executive directors is currently underway.

His new role at Reiss is part of a “planned succession process” and looks like a good fit.

The smart money had said that he was M&S CEO Steve Rowe’s pick for head of clothing at the UK retail giant. But one complication was seen to be the fact that the M&S role was not a board level one.

Another complication could have been the fact that it is also one of the most challenging roles in UK fashion. M&S has been working to turn around its clothing offer for many years as it lags behind the growth seen in its more buoyant food ops.

Reiss, by contrast, is a booming business and offer Angelides the chance to continue the strong track record he had at Next where he made it one of the most dynamic UK clothing specialists.

Angelides brings over 30 years multi-channel retail experience to Reiss including 28 years at Next.
 
Founder and chairman David Reiss said he has “significant retail experience which will be invaluable as Reiss grows into a truly global fashion brand.”

In addition, Andy Lawrence has joined Reiss as head of international. He joins from Ralph Lauren where he held a series of senior roles in Asia Pacific including head of Korea and Taiwan and senior director of business development for the region.

The appointments follow strong trading in the six-week period to 7 January 2017 as previously announced.