Selfridges has promoted Sebastian Manes and David Walker-Smith to buying directors, splitting the buying director role vacated by Anne Pitcher when she was named managing director of the iconic department store chain last week.

Manes, who was the driving force behind Selfridges’ Shoe Galleries – widely lauded as the best new retail launch of 2010 – will be buying director of womenswear, accessories and childrenswear with effect from February 1. He is currently director of accessories, jewellery, lingerie and swimwear.

Walker-Smith will be buying director of menswear, beauty, and home and leisure. He is currently director of menswear and beauty and has worked at Selfridges since 1997.

Both Walker-Smith and Manes will report to Pitcher and will manage the rest of the buying team between them.

Pitcher said: ”I am delighted to have been able to recruit within Selfridges for these two roles. It is a great tribute to the talents and skills of our people.”

Pitcher, who is a key figure in the luxury department store sector having previously worked at Harvey Nichols and Harrods, reports in to Paul Kelly, who has moved from his role as chief executive of Selfridges to focus solely on his position as managing director of the Selfridges Group.

Topics