Reject Shop CEO quits, interim chief named Andre Reich, CEO at The Reject Shop, has stepped down with immediate effect. The company’s CFO Clinton Cahn has been appointed acting CEO in the interim while the company searches for a permanent appointee. Amy Eshuys has taken on the role of COO effective tomorrow. In a statement to the ASX, company secretary Michael Freier said Reich had decided that now was “an appropriate time for him to leave the company to pursue other opportunitie
ortunities”. He left the role earlier this week, having determined the “fix phase” of his strategy to turn the business around was complete.
Reich began leading the company in January 2020, and “inherited a business that required significant turnaround”, said Freier’s statement.
“Over the past two years, Andre has led the company through the ‘fix’ phase of the turnaround while navigating the uncertainty and volatility associated with Covid-19,” Freier said.
“Under Andre’s leadership, The Reject Shop’s corporate culture has been reset, the business has returned to profitability with a lower cost base, the balance sheet is strong and the store network continues to expand. These achievements will underpin the growth of the company into the future.”
Chairman Steven Fisher said “everyone at The Reject Shop wishes Andre well in his future endeavours”.
“We have commenced an external search to identify an experienced executive to lead the company through the next phases of the turnaround strategy.”
Blooms the Chemist welcomes new COO
Blooms The Chemist has a new chief operating officer, Pamela Bishop.
In the newly created role, Bishop will report directly to Emmanuel Vavoulas, the company’s CEO. She will also oversee daily operations including retail, merchandising, pharmacy, people and culture.
“After starting out in stores, I’ve been fortunate to have worked in various departments across the business. Together with my team, we will drive profitability, execute the company strategy, develop more purpose-led business activities and prioritise initiatives that will create the greatest customer impact,” Bishop said.
She has more than 20 years of experience in the pharmacy industry, of which 16 years were spent at Blooms The Chemist.
Dr Martens hires new global creative director
UK-based footwear company Dr Martens has welcomed on board new global creative director Darren McKoy, who was previously global product category director, according to an article from Footwear News.
“As Darren and I both settle into our new roles, it’s clear that he’s been instrumental in inspiring our product strategy,” said Adam Meek, chief product officer at Dr. Martens, in a statement. “Darren has led from the front to reinforce our iconic, original product whilst inspiring innovation that always touches on our heritage.”
McKoy has worked at Dr Martens for seven years. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at retail giant Asics in Europe, The North Face and Adidas Originals.