Mamas and Papas chief executive has stepped down and its private equity backers have announced plans for a new strategic growth plan to accelerate its international roll-out.
After seven years at the helm of the nursery retailer, Nathan Williams is set to leave to pursue non-executive and advisory opportunities. Williams’ career spans 30 years in senior management, and he oversaw the growth of the retailer’s concessions business and international partnerships.
Chief financial officer Sarah Ashby has been promoted to chief operating officer, and former chief executive of Mayborn Group Steve Parkin will chair the business and lead in the development of a new strategic plan.
Mamas & Papas is backed by private equity firm BlueGem, which plans to “invest significantly in building the Mamas & Papas brand, leverage its customer data across its digital marketing and accelerate its international roll-out to deliver its ambition”. It would also “continue consolidating its position in the UK market, where it has a 20% share, through its multi-channel store and online model.”
The recruitment of a new chief executive will be “announced shortly”, according to the business and the position will be covered by Ashby in the interim.
Parkin said: “I’ve been supporting the board behind the scenes in an advisory capacity over the past few months. During that time, I’ve come to both admire the business that the team has built and be excited by the potential we have to scale further at home but in particular overseas. Nathan has led the business through a significant and lasting transformation over the past seven years and built an excellent foundation, which is where our new strategic plan will now focus.
“Since joining the company as chief financial officer less than two years ago, Sarah has already played a pivotal role in its success and we’re excited about her role in the new strategic plan as chief operating officer. Supported by a new chief executive in due course, I’m confident we have the right plan and the right people to accelerate our growth and become the trusted, internationally-recognised brand for parenting around the world.”
Williams said: “It has been a privilege to lead Mamas & Papas through an exciting period of growth and transformation. I am immensely proud of what the team has achieved, and I look forward to watching the brand continue to thrive.”
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