House of Fraser has poached Goodwood Group boss Alex Williamson as its new chief executive.

Alex Williamson House of Fraser web

Alex Williamson House of Fraser web

Williamson will join the department store business on July 31.

House of Fraser hailed the appointment of the “experienced and well-regarded business leader”, who has been chief executive at Goodwood since December 2012.

He initially joined the group as finance boss in 2008, before being promoted to group managing director and then chief executive.

Prior to joining the Goodwood estate, Williamson served as head of finance for TUI Travel and has held a variety of other roles across the leisure and hospitality sectors.

He also spent three years at Ernst & Young between 1996 and 1999.

House of Fraser said Williamson would bring “strong leadership, commercial discipline, creative and strategic thinking” to the role.

The retailer’s executive chairman Frank Slevin said: “Alex is uniquely placed to execute our vision, and to contribute his extensive expertise of delivering compelling and engaging experiences for the customer.

“Over the last two years, we have built a very strong management team, with particular expertise across the key disciplines in retail.

“This has enabled us to make an appointment that is a clear statement of the direction we intend to take, placing the customer at the centre of our business.”

Williamson added: “I have had the most extraordinary nine years at Goodwood working with Lord March and the team on a broad range of projects. I am very pleased to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time for House of Fraser, another great premium British brand.

“I am looking forward to working with Frank and the strong management team to bring to bear House of Fraser‘s engaging and innovative vision.”