John Smedley names new managing director
John Smedley has promoted Jess Mcguire Dudley to the role of managing director.
She has succeeded Ian Maclean, a member of the Smedley family, who has worked with the heritage knitwear brand for the past 25 years and has now become executive chairman.
The appointment means Mcguire Dudley is John Smedley’s first managing director from a creative background. She previously held the position of deputy managing director and global brand director.
Prior to joining the company in 2014, she was brand marketing manager at Triumph International.
Never Miss a Retail Update!In a statement, John Smedley said: “Jess has been pivotal in transforming the marketing and sales side of the business in recent years, refreshing the brand’s image and the many ways it is visible in markets around the world.
“She has fiercely led on strategic plans that have given John Smedley new relevance and increased presence within the luxury knitwear sphere, from product projects and manufacturing overhauls to the reintroduction of our third-party production arm.”
Mcguire-Dudley added: “There is a real love between me and this business, and I am determined to ensure it thrives for decades to come. Our brand values are to be British, iconic and responsible, and I stand by this vision.”
