ASOS to name new CEO soon

ASOS is reportedly close to naming its new CEO after a long search saw its front-runner turning the post down. The company is possibly opting for an internal candidate, a newspaper claims.

The Sunday Times said that José Antonio Ramos Calamonte — the firm’s chief commercial officer — is “one candidate on a ‘very short’ shortlist, [but] a final decision has not been made”. That means the report could still be wide of the mark, of course. It also said that Rob Hattrell, head of eBay’s European arm, turned down the job.

An announcement is likely to be made within the next few weeks, the newspaper added. The firm’s pursuit of Hattrell is believed to have delayed the final decision being reached.

ASOS has been contacted for comment.

The company has been without a permanent CEO since Nick Beighton stepped down with immediate effect almost eight months ago. CFO Mat Dunn became Chief Operating Officer to lead the company in the interim.

Fifty-year-old Ramos Calamonte has been with ASOS for 17 months, having joined from Portuguese retailer Salsa Jeans, where he was CEO. He’s been responsible for the e-tailer’s own-brand products and has reorganised commercial functions. Importantly, he previously worked on commercial strategy for companies including Inditex, Esprit and Carefour Spain.

The company’s share price edged upwards on Monday morning having dropped by around a third this year. That share price fall came as the company faced supply chain challenges and slowing sales.

ASOS to name new CEO soon - press report

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