The former boss of women’s fashion brand Oasis has joined Manchester retailer N Brown.
The online clothing and footwear business has announced that Sarah Welsh will be joining the company in the newly created role of retail CEO.
Starting at the end of March, Sarah will report directly to Group CEO, Steve Johnson, and will be responsible for all aspects of product.
This will include buying, merchandising, design, fit, trading, sourcing and partnerships while also supporting the execution of N Brown’s retail-led strategy to deliver profitable, digital growth.
Sarah brings over 25 years of retail and brand experience and joins the business from Oasis where she has spent 18 years, most recently as managing director where she shaped the brand’s customer and product proposition.
Sarah started her career on the shop floor at Laura Ashley, developing a passion for product alongside skills in buying, which were enhanced through senior roles at both River Island and Miss Selfridge.
CEO Steve Johnson said: “Sarah joins N Brown at an exciting time as we continue with our strategy to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
“She brings a wealth of relevant experience, not least in building strong and empowered teams to develop brand propositions.
"Her experience will be important in further improving and developing our product offering to continue making our customers look and feel amazing.”
Sarah Welsh said: “I am incredibly excited to join Steve and the N Brown team in the Spring.
"I look forward to strengthening their vision of 'democratising fashion' by enhancing the product proposition for customers who feel underrepresented and underserved, across their compelling brand portfolio.”
N Brown has also appointed Rachel Izzard as chief financial officer following the resignation of Craig Lovelace who is leaving to take up a new position.
Rachel joins from Aer Lingus where she has been CFO since 2015.
Rachel started her career at Mobil Oil and British Airways, moving on to a range of senior financial roles.
With the forming of International Airlines Group (IAG) she became CFO of IAG Cargo, joining together the cargo businesses of BA and Iberia.
In 2015 Rachel moved to become CFO of Aer Lingus, successfully integrating Aer Lingus into IAG.
