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Justin Stead has been chosen by Radley to “take the company to new heights” |
Radley + Co has announced the appointment of Justin Stead as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 6 May.
Founded by Lowell Harder in London in 1998, Radley has evolved over the years into a British icon of affordable luxury. The handbag and accessories brand has noted a “renaissance” in recent seasons, and is now looking to Stead to “take the company to new heights”.
Stead joins Radley from Aurum Holdings where he was CEO, leading the company to major growth in sales and profits from 2007 to 2014 through the Mappin & Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmith brands. During his tenure at the height of the recession, profits quadrupled from £6 million to £24 million.
Prior to Aurum, he spent eight years at the Fossil Group based in Dallas, Texas where as Senior Vice President he was instrumental in the significant growth of its watch and jewellery business worldwide.
Most recently, Stead is the Chairman and investor with private equity in SOFA.com; he will retain this non-executive chairmanship with SOFA.com when he joins Radley.
Radley + Co Chairman Roger Best said: “We are delighted that Justin will be leading Radley. His proven track record in building outstanding success at Aurum and his considerable international experience of developing international distribution and accessories brands will be of significant benefit to us as we grow internationally.”
Stead commented: “Radley has great products that combine quality and beauty. As a distinctive London brand, it has all the ingredients to compete on the world stage. Its recent renaissance is highly encouraging I am truly excited to join the Radley team and to have the opportunity to make my vision for the Radley brand become a reality.”
Radley + Co is owned by Exponent Private Equity, Phoenix Equity Partners and the company’s management team. Within the UK, Radley has 33 retail stores, an e-commerce site www.radley.co.uk (shipping to 47 countries) and stockists nationwide including John Lewis and House of Fraser. The brand currently distributes to 14 international markets including Germany, Russia, Taiwan, South East Asia, Australia and Japan.
