JD's Peter Cowgill is new chairman of The Fragrance Shop

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Nov 23, 2022

Peter Cowgill has been named the first-ever non-executive chairman of perfume retailer The Fragrance Shop, several months after he stepped down from his combined chairman and CEO role at retail giant JD Sports.

The retail veteran takes up his new role with immediate effect and will be working “closely with CEO Sanjay Vadera and his leadership team as The Fragrance Shop steps up its ambitious growth plans”. 

The appointment comes after the Manchester-based business recently unveiled higher annual sales and profits, as well as a move to a new “state-of-the-art low-carbon” HQ and distribution centre at Trafford Park. 

While Cowgill’s latter years at JD Sports were marred by concerns over him combining the two top jobs (rather than splitting them between two people as stock exchange-listed companies usually do), as well as problems around its acquisition of Footasylum, there’s no denying that he had a huge impact on the sports-to-fashion retailer.

He led it as the company became one of the biggest forces in global sports retail and made the most of its excellent relationships with the key brands that consumers want.

Sanjay Vadera said: “We’re delighted to welcome Peter to the TFS family. With our proven strategy and clear momentum, we know The Fragrance Shop can develop into a world-leading multi-channel retailer. We’re looking forward to the counsel and experience Peter will bring as we expand and grow.” 

Cowgill added: “I feel very privileged to take on this role at an exciting time for the business as it continues to execute its growth strategy. 

“Against the post-pandemic backdrop and current economic headwinds, The Fragrance Shop continues to perform because of its focus on innovation and ensuring it puts the customer and its members at the heart of everything it does. 

“I look forward to working with them closely on expansion plans -- particularly in its digital business, as it furthers its international footprint and in support of category expansion through acquisition and organic growth.”