Ted Baker has appointed easyJet chair John Barton as its new chair, with the experienced executive set to join the struggling fashion retailer’s non-executive board in July.
Barton has been chair of easyJet since 2013 and was previously chair at Next, as well as hold senior independent director roles at WHSmith and SSP.
He will take over from acting chair Sharon Baylay at Ted Baker. Baylay will continue in the role until Barton formally joins the board later this year.
His appointment comes at a critical time for the once-resilient fashion business, which has experienced a dramatic fall from grace over the last 18 months, culminating in the exit of former chief executive Lindsay Page and chair Dave Bernstein in December following a string of profit warnings.
Former chief financial officer Rachel Osborne was appointed as permanent CEO last month to bolster the retailer’s board.
Baylay said: “Following a thorough and competitive search process, the board is delighted that John is joining us as chair and we look forward to welcoming him to Ted Baker.
“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: “It is an honour to be appointed chair of this iconic British brand at such a critical time and I would like to extend my huge thanks to Sharon for leading the board in the interim period.
“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 omnichannel platform.”
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