End of an era as Jones stands down
David Jones, the man who famously saved fashion retailer Next from collapse, is to stand down as chairman in May.

His departure brings to an end a two-decade association with the store group, during which time he sensationally ousted flamboyant founder George Davies, turned Next into one of the UK's most respected retailers and secretly battled against Parkinson's Disease.

Simon Wolfson, the Jones protégé who is now Next chief executive, said: 'David has worked for Next for nearly 20 years and taken it from the brink of bankruptcy into the FTSE 100. His blend of common sense, financial prudence and personal warmth has been an inspiration to all who have worked with him. His achievements have been all the more remarkable, given the ever-increasing physical burden of Parkinson's.'

Jones said: 'It has been a privilege to lead the company and work with people for whom I have enormous affection.'

He will be succeeded as chairman by his deputy, John Barton, who joined the Next board in 2002.

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