Ex-Jaeger chief Burnett climbs on board
Home accessories and clothing retailer The White Company has appointed Pat Burnett as managing director.

Burnett will join the board in October. She arrives from Danish department retailer Illum, where she was chief executive officer. She was previously chief executive officer of international clothing specialist Jaeger and managing director of Wallis between 1994 and 2000.

The White Company founder Christian Rucker said: 'Pat brings unparalleled experience in building brand value. She has a wealth of knowledge in key areas that will help us develop the business - including brand and product development, retail expansion in the UK, and international sales and business infrastructure. We have a strong vision for the future and want to build on our success to become a strong brand on the international stage.'

Burnett said she was 'looking forward to this challenging new role and helping the company develop its full potential'.

The multichannel retailer also revealed strong current trading, with sales up 35 per cent over the last three months. Turnover for the year to March was£49.5 million, compared with£39.9 million last time.

The White Company, founded in 1994, operates 14 stores, produces 10 mail order catalogues a year and runs a transactional web site. It also has three concessions and two franchises in Dubai.

The group has a children's range - The Little White Company - which comprises 23 per cent of the business.