New Look has appointed Mark Matthews as its new retail director, entrusting him with oversight of the retailer’s store estate and the acceleration of its omnichannel strategy.
Matthews brings extensive operational and merchandising experience from senior roles at Co-op Food, Bonmarché, George at Asda and Selfridges. He said he was joining New Look at a “pivotal time” for the brand and that he looked forward to expanding on the progress already made in creating a seamless experience across all channels.
He succeeds Elaine Cartwright, who is stepping down after 12 years with the business. Chief executive Helen Connolly said Matthews offered “extensive industry expertise and a customer-first mindset”, noting that the store estate continued to be “a vital part” of the company’s omnichannel strategy. She also thanked Cartwright for leaving the retail division “in a place of strength”.
The appointment comes as the fashion chain advances its wider transformation programme, which includes optimising its store network and deepening digital integration. The retailer said recent concept upgrades at its Bluewater and Manchester locations have delivered strong double-digit like-for-like growth, underscoring the brand’s emphasis on improving the customer journey through innovation and modernised store formats.
Over the past five years, New Look has refreshed its website and mobile app, built a customer base of 10 million, and retained leading positions across categories including dresses, denim, outerwear and footwear. Earlier this year, the retailer committed US $ 40 million to support the next phase of its digital expansion, including the rollout of its first loyalty scheme, Club New Look, which now has more than 700,000 members.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
