Shop Direct taps former Clarks boss Ben Fletcher

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Nov 4, 2019

Industry veteran Ben Fletcher, who was most recently European president of Clarks Shoes, is to join Shop Direct as group chief finance officer, the UK fashion group has announced.

He will join in January next year, and report to group CEO Henry Birch.

Fletcher has many years of experience working in the retail sector. Most recently, he led Clarks’ European business, which generates £1 billion in revenues across its retail and wholesale operations. 

Prior to that, he spent six years at Walgreens Boots Alliance, where he held a variety of leadership roles including managing director of Boots Opticians, finance director for Boots UK and Ireland, and commercial finance director for Boots UK. Under his leadership, Boots Opticians consistently grew market share, revenue, profit and Ebitda.

His experience also includes senior finance positions at Procter & Gamble worldwide, including global finance director for the company’s $2bn-turnover Salon Professional business based in Geneva.

“Ben is an outstanding finance and general management leader, who has consistently delivered growth across large and complex consumer businesses. He’s proven to be customer and colleague-focused, with significant experience in online. He’ll play a vital part as we invest to be the number one destination for shoppers who value a combination of leading brands and flexible ways to pay,” said Henry Birch, group CEO at Shop Direct.

Fletcher will take over from Dominic Appleton, who has been holding the group CFO position on an interim basis. Appleton will remain as finance director.