Ex-Next chairman to join Ted Baker in top board role

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Apr 22, 2020

Under-pressure Ted Baker announced the appointment of its new permanent chairman on Wednesday. He’s joining from a company that knows plenty about being under pressure at present with John Barton taking the helm in July after holding the same role at easyJet.

The company said that he “brings a wealth of relevant experience to Ted Baker, having held senior non-executive positions across a number of leading consumer-facing businesses”.

He’s been chairman of easyJet since 2013, with that budget airline currently seeing a business slowdown even greater than Ted Baker’s as its planes remain out of action due to the global lockdown. 

He also has experience at one of the fashion retail sector’s most successful names having been chairman of Next, as well holding senior roles at other non-fashion businesses.

Sharon Baylay will continue in her role as acting chair until he formally joins the board.  

Baylay said of the new appointment: “Following a thorough and competitive search process, the board is delighted that John is joining us as chairman and we look forward to welcoming him. His significant experience in a number of leading customer facing businesses, including very relevant experience from his time spent leading the board at Next, will be of great value as we continue the journey to transform the business.”

Barton added that “these are unprecedented times, and while I do not underestimate the significant challenges ahead of us, Ted Baker has strong foundations from which to build: a refreshed and committed leadership team, fronted by Rachel Osborne; dedicated and loyal colleagues; a strong brand which resonates with customers; diversified income streams and a well-invested, omni-channel platform”.