Bodycare has appointed Charles Denton as its first chief executive and president since the firm went into administration and closed its 147 stores.

Denton will lead the health and beauty retailer as it returns to the UK High Street, with the firm having announced plans on 6 July to gradually reopen closed sites and introduce new in-store offerings such as K-beauty and creator studios.

He previously served as chief executive at The Body Shop for a year, and at the skincare brand Erno Laszlo for over 11 years after acquiring it with private equity backing.

Denton has decades of experience in the retail sector, having also led the fragrance brand Molton Brown as chief executive and deputy chairman from 1994 to 2005.

Bodycare is expected to reopen its first store in the Moor Quarter, Sheffield, this July. The organisation is targeting the relaunch of 15 stores by the end of the year, and acknowledges on its website that it has already announced 17 with more expected in the coming months.

“Bodycare represents a remarkable opportunity to redefine what value retail can become. Today’s customer is smarter than ever. They want exceptional value, but they also expect discovery, inspiration and experiences that make shopping enjoyable again.

“Our ambition is to build a business around that smart customer. We’re creating stores that are destinations, places where people can discover exciting products, learn from experts, engage with their local community and enjoy an experience that goes far beyond simply buying health and beauty products.”

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