Premium non-full-price marketplace Secret Sales has named Matalan executive Chris Lacey as chief digital officer and Alex Adamson as chief marketing officer, Retail Week can reveal.

Chris Griffin CEO Secret Sales headshot

Chris Griffin: ‘It’s critical for us to keep pace with the strong appetite we’re seeing for off-price’

Lacey joins Secret Sales from Matalan where he had been director of ecommerce since April 2021 and “successfully delivered a large-scale digital transformation programme” during his time at the retailer.

He previously worked at Superdry for nine years, most recently as global digital director, where he built the fashion retailer’s “entire ecommerce platform” and played a “pivotal role” in growing its online proposition across North America, Europe and Asia.

Reporting to Secret Sales chief executive Chris Griffin, Lacey will take the lead on the platform’s growth and international expansion and will work closely with all departments of the business to “drive digital revenue, enhance the customer experience and advance operations”.

Secret Sales said the appointment is part of a “strategic move” as it continues to embark on its European expansion strategy.

Meanwhile, Adamson has been promoted to the marketplace’s first-ever chief marketing officer, having been senior vice president of digital marketing at the business since May 2022.

In his new role, Adamson will focus on “building out a wider marketing and digital strategy”.

Griffin said: “As we enter 2024, it’s critical for us to move quickly to keep pace with the strong appetite we’re seeing for off-price from our retailer and brand partners so we can help them expand into new European territories.

“This is why the time is right to strengthen our leadership team to help us deliver on our vision to positively disrupt the world of off-price.”

Lacey said: “In today’s challenging retail climate, Secret Sales’ unique, stockless off-price model is changing the game by putting excess stock sustainably into the hands of consumers.

“The business is at a pivotal growth point and I’m excited to bring my ecommerce experience to the table and support the team in driving new growth across Europe while creating new value for customers.”

Adamson added: “It’s an extremely exciting opportunity to step into the CMO role at Secret Sales. The company’s distinctive market position and trajectory offer a unique opportunity for a marketer like myself.

“I eagerly anticipate further dedication to advancing our growth and retention strategies, leveraging the invaluable first-party data from our platform.

“The particularly intriguing aspect lies in the ambitious yet attainable international expansion plan for the business, in which the new executive positions play a pivotal role.”