Evans boss quits Arcadia, Wallis chief to run both chains

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Apr 5, 2017

Fiona Ross has become the latest top executive to resign from the Arcadia fashion group with news of the managing director of the Evans plus-size chain’s departure coming shortly after it was learned that Topshop’s boss Mary Homer is also to leave.

But while Arcadia chief Sir Philip Green said he was looking for a world-class external candidate to fit the senior role at his star Topshop chain, it seems the Evans job has already been filled.

Ross, whose departure is said to be amicable, will be replaced by Anne Secunda, who currently runs Arcadia’s Wallis chain. And Sir Philip will not have to start an executive search for her replacement as she will hold a dual role, running both businesses.

Ads

Ross, who is leaving Arcadia for a an unspecified new opportunity, is a veteran of the fashion giant and has been with the firm for almost three decades. Like Homer, who is leaving Topshop after a similar time with the firm to become CEO of The White Company, her experience at one of the UK’s highest-profile retail groups makes her an in-demand commodity in a retail environment facing unprecedented challenges.