Next’s CFO to retire next year
Clothing retailer Next has confirmed that finance chief Amanda James will step down in July after 28 years with the firm.
Jonathan Blanchard, currently CFO and chief operating officer at premium British fashion brand Reiss, will take over as CFO in July 2024.
James, who has decided to retire from full time work, will step down from the board from 26 July 2024 before officially leaving the group on 26 September 2024.
She joined the group in 1995 before being appointed as commercial finance director in 2009, brand finance director in 2012. She took up her current role in 2015, succeeding Next’s group finance director David Keens.
Next said in a statement: “Amanda has made a huge contribution to the group in her 28 years with Next and has been an exceptional guardian of our finances. Our financial position today is testament to her diligence and hard work. The board is extremely grateful to Amanda for her excellent service to the group.
“Amanda has been planning this change for some time and it coincides with her husband’s retirement,” Next said in a statement.
Last month, Next increased its equity stake in Reiss to 72%.
