PAS Group chief executive to retire

PAS Group chief executive Eric Morris has announced he will retire after 13 years at the helm of the retail company and transition into a non-executive director role in 2019.

Morris will be succeeded by PAS Group chief commercial officer Paul Burdekin in July.

“It has been a privilege to have built and helped steward PAS from its single brand roots over 13 years ago through the integration of nine acquisitions, the company’s 2014 public listing, and meaningful investment in growth across both our retail footprint as well as in new brands and digital transformation,” Morris said during an address to shareholders during PAS Group’s 2018 AGM.

“This is the right time for me to move on, and welcome Paul as my future successor.”

Burdekin has a background in branded apparel and accessories, a space that, he noted, loves and has been successful in.

“Looking outward, we see a world that is ever more digitally connected,” Burdekin said.

“Fashion cycles are fast, trends are moving faster, and distribution channels are shifting as online continues to expand. All of this is being driven by the customer.

“Developing, building and harnessing that consumer connection across all channels and mediums is something I am passionate about, and something I am excited to work with the PAS team on.”

Morris said the business continues to be affected by the macroeconomic and competitive pressures that all retailers face, and PAS Group would continue to focus on store profitability – with 20 stores currently slated for closure due to being unprofitable.

A focus on accelerating digital transformation across the business’s portfolio is noted as a key opportunity for FY19.

 

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