Harrods promotes from within for new chief operating officer

The retailer said Efstathiou would be responsible for “integrating all operations at the luxury store under one leader for the first time”.

Efstathiou is currently chief information officer and will be responsible for all wider store operations when he starts his new role in September. He will oversee Harrods’ supply chain and store facilities, engineering and security.

The appointment follows the “planned retirement of longstanding operations director James Healy”.

The announcement follows other recent senior leadership appointments at the retailer, including new chief retail officer Mark Blundell and Sarah Myler as chief brand and reputation officer.

In 2025, the retailer also appointed Geoff Weaver as chief financial officer.

Harrods said Efstathiou’s appointment represents the latest step in the “evolution” of its management executive committee “designed to broaden executive oversight and enhance the business’s strategic capabilities” and to strengthen the “platform supporting managing director Michael Ward”.

Ward said: “As Harrods evolves, our leadership structure must evolve with it to ensure we move with pace, continue to invest, and drive the global standard for luxury customer experience.

“Our operations teams have delivered landmark transformations like our Future Retail programme, ongoing business redevelopments, and the re-platforming of Harrods.com. Andreas is the ideal leader to step into this newly unified chief operating officer role.

“As COO, Andreas will bring our end-to-end operations together under one leader for the first time, creating a more integrated, agile and resilient Harrods.”

Efstathiou said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of chief operating officer at such a pivotal moment for Harrods. Our operations are central to delivering the exceptional, seamless experience our customers expect.

“By bringing our end-to-end operations together, we are well positioned to drive greater agility, strengthen collaboration, and continue elevating the customer experience.”