River Island chair steps down as former CEO returns
River Island has announced that its executive chair Richard Bradbury is stepping down for personal reasons.
In addition, former chief executive Ben Lewis is returning to his position to lead the fashion brand.
Bradbury previously served as chief executive until 2010 but rejoined the business in 2022 when he took on the additional position of executive chair.
In a statement issued by the company Bradbury said: “It has been a great honour to work in this amazing business twice. The River Island team is incredible, and during these last two years we have achieved so much together to position the business for the next phase.”
Never Miss a Retail Update!The nephew of River Island founder Bernard Lewis, Ben Lewis has also previously held the chief executive role but left the business in 2019. He has now taken on the position with immediate effect.
Commenting on the news, he said: “Richard has built a great team and I look forward to working with them to continue to develop the business and capture the many opportunities ahead.”
River Island has also announced that Bernard’s son Clive Lewis will be returning to his former role of non-executive chair.
He said: “Richard steps down having made a strong impact on the business and the board is extremely grateful for his leadership.
“With Ben’s deep history with River Island there is no question that he is the right person to lead the business into its next chapter.”
