Game and Superdry finance chiefs step down

Game finance boss Mark Gifford has resigned from his role with immediate effect but will remain with the company until the end of March, “in order to ensure a smooth transition”. 

The retailer, which celebrated a much-needed sales boost over Christmas, has begun the search for Gifford’s successor.

The gaming specialist said Gifford, who joined the company in 2015, is leaving it in a “good position to pursue its strategy”, after being part of the team overseeing the retailer’s transformation. 

He is leaving to focus on other business and personal interests, the retailer said.

Boss Martyn Gibbs said: “Mark has worked incredibly hard to create a solid platform, from which we are transforming Game.”

Superdry

Meanwhile, Superdry chief financial officer Nick Wharton will retire from the fashion group “in order to pursue a plural career”.

Wharton, who has held the role since 2015, will be succeeded by Sainsbury’s director of group finance Ed Barker in the spring. 

Barker previously served as interim chief financial officer at the grocer.

Chief executive of the newly named Superdry Group Euan Sutherland said: “Nick has been a key part of the team leading the repositioning of Superdry as a global digital brand which has demonstrated world-leading capabilities and a strong track record of strategic and financial delivery.” 

Commenting on Barker’s appointment, he added: “I am delighted that Ed is joining us as we embark on the next phase of our ambitious growth plans.

“He has strong experience of building brands and leading in competitive multi-channel businesses through his previous roles at Sainsbury and Burberry.”