Two digital retail leaders have joined the board of trade body the BRC, bringing key experience as the organisation adapts to the continuing Covid emergency and the rise of online shopping.

Sarah Miles, chief executive of beauty specialist Feelunique, and Kenyatte Nelson, chief brand officer of home shopping group N Brown, have both been appointed as non-executive directors.

Kenyatte Nelson

Kenyatte Nelson

The BRC’s membership has grown during the pandemic as retailers have increasingly drawn upon the organisation’s advice about the latest safety guidance and backed its lobbying on support measures and the reform of business rates.

Sarah Miles

Sarah Miles

Miles and Nelson’s arrival is expected to “greatly expand the BRC board’s experience in digital retail and communication – both of which have been essential during this ongoing crisis”, the BRC said.

Before leading Feelunique, Miles held senior positions at Amazon, including running the etail giant’s EU apparel business.

Nelson previously worked at Shop Direct and Missguided where he was group marketing and creative director and chief customer officer respectively.

BRC chair Tony DeNunzio said: “With over 50 years of experience in digital retail, marketing and communication between them, Sarah and Kenyatte will bring valuable knowledge to our board.”

Miles said: “I am honoured to join the BRC board at this pivotal time for the industry and am passionate about exploring the opportunities presented across all channels, diversity and sustainability, and the impact of businesses on society and the environment.”

Nelson said: “I look forward to finding ways of supporting the BRC and its members at this crucial juncture. Digital communication and connectivity are of ever-increasing importance and the BRC has shown it can pivot its way of engaging with its members and the wider industry, encouraging new members to come in against the backdrop of the pandemic.”