New leader for Country Road

24 March 2010

Iconic fashion and lifestyle retailer Country Road has appointed John Cheston as its new CEO and board director, following the resignation of Ian Moir as CEO in 2009. Cheston, who boasts more than 20 years' senior retail experience,  will take up his role from July 1 this year.

Cheston's resume includes the position of CEO of Singapore's largest listed retailer, Robinsons & Co Limited, in which he oversaw two Robinson's department stores, seven Little John department stores and six Marks & Spencer franchises.

Prior to his role at Robinsons & Co, Cheston worked for Marks & Spencer for 18 years, first in the UK and then in Hong Kong. He replaces Country Road's acting CEO, Glenn Gilzean.

His appointment follows the retailer's half year results last month, in which it announced a profit after tax for the half ending 31 December 2009 of $9.0 million, down 12.2 per cent from the previous corresponding period. Total revenue over the period grew 14.4 per cent, with total sales up by 12.6 per cent.

Acting CEO Gilzean said in a statement in February that the retailer was pleased with its top line growth in all channels, adding that the short term decline in its bottom line was largely attributable to start up costs for the new Trenery brand (pictured).

Continuing economic uncertainty was set to prevail, Gilzean said, heralding a challenge for incoming CEO Cheston.

 

 

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