Luxury department store Harvey Nichols has announced the appointment of Julia Goddard as its new chief executive officer.

Longstanding boss Manju Malhotra announced his plans to exit the business in mid-2023 after more than 25 years with the company.

Godard joins after 14 years at Alexander McQueen, most recently as the luxury fashion brand’s president for EMEA. She will start her role in June, reporting to chairman and vice chairman Sir Dickson Poon and Pearson Poon.

Sir Dickson Poon and Pearson Poon, said: “Julia is a dynamic business leader with a strong track record of delivering quality growth and successfully developing and executing a very important customer clienteling strategy. Her expertise and strategic capabilities will be invaluable in delivering long-term sustainable growth for Harvey Nichols.”

Goddard said: “The opportunities that exist within this iconic brand fill me with excitement and enthusiasm. I very much look forward to working with the team to accelerate growth and strengthen the position of Harvey Nichols.”
The news comes a month after the company announced cuts that would affect around five per cent of its staff.

While it is yet to publish its full year results, Harvey Nichols last month said that revenue was expected to rise 13 per cent year-on-year to £216.6 million with losses reduced by 30 per cent.

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