N Brown promotes from within as it names new CEO

Johnson steps down from the retailer after 10 years “by mutual agreement” with the board, the Jacamo, JD Williams and Simply Be owner said.

Joy assumes the new position after serving as chief executive of financial services at N Brown for the past six years. He also previously held several leadership roles at Ikano Bank for 11 years, including group chief commercial officer.

N Brown said Joy’s experience with consumer-facing brands brings complementary skills to its retail business, in addition to his financial services expertise.

The ecommerce group has also appointed Malcolm Le May as chair, bringing over 40 years’ experience in consumer finance and banking to the role.

N Brown Group majority shareholder Joshua Alliance said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Steve for his tireless service to N Brown over the past 10 years. His drive and commitment successfully led the business through a number of pivotal moments, including the global pandemic, refocusing the Group’s efforts on its strategic brands, and progressing the development of our financial services offering.

“I’d also like to welcome Malcolm and Dan to their new roles. Both bring the knowledge and expertise to lead the business in its next phase of growth, focused on expanding our financial services offering to meet changing customer needs and capture the significant market opportunity this presents.”

Commenting on his appointment, Joy said: “I am extremely excited by the opportunity to lead N Brown through its next stage of transformative growth. 

“Our heritage and evolution from a catalogue business to a leading online retail platform and credit provider has allowed us to build longstanding relationships with our loyal customers, ensuring we can continue to refine both our retail and financial services offering to meet their changing needs.”

Le May added: “I am delighted to be appointed chair of N Brown. It is a business with a clear purpose: delivering vital support to a large and loyal community of customers who have placed their trust in the group for over 160 years.

“The managerial changes announced today facilitate the continued evolution of the strategic rationale set out when the company delisted last year, with the support of the Alliance family.

“Together, we will continue to evolve our offering by championing our retail businesses and strengthening our capabilities in financial services, to ensure that all parts of the business move forward with clarity, confidence and a shared sense of purpose.”