Kenji appoints managing director and chair
Kenji, the home, stationery and gifting retailer, has appointed Eddie Shepherd as managing director and Suzanne Harlow as chair of its recently established advisory board.
The new hires comes as the retailer prepares for a doubling of its store estate in 2025.
With over two decades of retail experience, Shepherd (pictured) was previously chief executive at Clintons where he led the greeting card retailer through a period of transformation, which included driving operational efficiencies and enhancing customer value. Prior to that, he was managing director at Watermark Publishing.
He will be assisted in delivering Kenji’s growth objectives by Harlow in her position as leader of the advisory board. A former chief executive of Jack Wills, her career has also included over 23 years at Debenhams where most recently she was an executive director on the department store’s board.
Derek Yong, Kenji’s operations director, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Eddie and Suzanne to the business’ leadership team. Eddie’s extensive retail track record and Suzanne’s strategic leadership experience are invaluable additions as Kenji embarks on its new chapter.
“Their combined expertise will be instrumental in driving our vision forward, enhancing our market presence, and continuing to deliver exceptional value to our customers.”
Kenji is currently preparing to open a flagship store in Westfield London, upsize its Warrington and Bury stores, and open its first international store in the Netherlands. It currently has ten UK stores and is aiming for 21 sites by 2025.
