Pandora appoints Allan Leighton as new CEO
Retail jeweller Pandora has appointed former Asda boss Allan Leighton as its new chief executive.
Leighton, who is currently Pandora’s chairman, will succeed Bjørn Gulden who will be stepping down to become chief executive of the Puma sports brand.
Deputy chairman Marcello Bottoli will become chairman when Leighton takes up his new role on 1 July while Gulden will remain part of the company as a board member.
Gulden said: “Pandora is a great business which is performing well, but the sports industry has always been a major part of my life, and my role at Puma will also allow my family to remain in Germany.”
Never Miss a Retail Update!Leighton, who recently turned down the role of Premier League chairmanship, has a strong retail background having been chief executive of Asda and the chairman of the Peacocks clothing chain. He is currently chairman of set-top box maker Pace.
Commenting on his appointment, Leighton said: “Bjørn, Marcello, the management team and I have worked very closely on delivering on the company strategy and the board believes that continuity in that execution and understanding of the business is key to our continued success. Therefore I am delighted to take up the role as Pandora’ s CEO.”
Pandora operates more than 900 stores wordwide and employs 6,000 people.
