Headhunter Sue Shipley is to join search firm the Miles Partnership after leaving Odgers Berndtson, where she was global practice leader for retail.

Shipley will extend the Miles Partnership’s retail presence. She said that she was keen to move to a boutique-style search firm and that her new role will allow her to devote more time personally to clients.

She expects more senior level change in retail in the light of continuing tough trading conditions. She said: “The consumer is strapped for cash and retailers are feeling it - that often leads to a change in leadership.”

Shipley is best known for high-profile placings such as Paul Marchant at Primark, Jonathan Hart at Thorntons and Stephen Robertson at the BRC. She has also been leading the search for a new managing director of Argos while at Odgers.

Before moving into search, Shipley worked for a variety of retailers including Asda, Boots and Kingfisher.

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