Darren Topp, the former boss of collapsed retailer BHS, has been appointed as chief executive of luxury fashion firm LK Bennett.
BHS’s collapse in April has put 11,000 jobs and 22,000 pensions at risk. Its demise left a £571 million black hole in its two pension schemes.
Topp, former chief operating officer at BHS, endured a difficult time at the company as he attempted to keep the business afloat following its infamous sale by Sir Philip Green to the Dominic Chappell-led consortium Retail Acquisitions for £1 over a year ago.
In June, Topp told MPs how Chappell threatened to kill him when he found out about a £1.5 million the disgraced owner made from BHS to an unaffiliated company called BHS Sweden in April.
At LK Bennett, Topp will replace Robert Bensoussan, who took over on an interim basis in 2014. He will remain at LK Bennett as a non-executive director.
Topp will be joined by Michael Hitchcock, former BHS financial consultant, who will take up the role as chief financial officer at LK Bennett.
The luxury brand sprung to prominence after being worn by the Duchess of Cambridge. Its customers also include actresses Anna Paquin and Reese Witherspoon.
LK Bennett said Topp has over 30 years of retail experiences across various senior positions at Marks & Spencer and BHS.
“Darren and Michael have an exceptionally strong retail background and will be instrumental in driving the business through its next stage of development,” Patrick Woodall, LK Bennett Chairman said.
Topp said he was delighted to join the company.
“LK Bennett is a fantastic business and we look forward to building on and continuing,” he said.
LK Bennett has 114 shops in the UK and Ireland as well as stores in the US and Middle East.
The last remaining BHS stores were shut in August, ending 88 years of British retail history.
