Hugo Boss has appointed Frasers Group chief executive Michael Murray as chairman of its supervisory board on 16 September, following Stephan Sturm’s resignation as the German fashion group faces a proposed increase in Frasers’ stake above 50 per cent.

Hugo Boss said Murray was elected chairman at a regular supervisory board meeting on Tuesday, succeeding Sturm, who recently announced his resignation as a member of the supervisory board.

Frasers currently owns 48 per cent of Hugo Boss and said this month that it intends to increase its holding beyond 50 per cent. The British retailer, controlled by Mike Ashley, has been expanding its presence in the premium and luxury segments.

Murray, who joined the Hugo Boss supervisory board in May 2025, said: “Hugo Boss is exceptionally well positioned, with two strong brands, a unique global footprint and significant untapped potential.”

He added that he would work with the supervisory and managing boards to support the company’s strategic priorities and create sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders.

Hugo Boss chief executive Daniel Grieder said Murray had consistently supported the company’s strategic direction under its CLAIM 5 TOUCHDOWN programme. “Michael Murray has consistently supported the strategic direction we have with Claim 5 Touchdown and, together with Frasers Group, shares our view regarding the significant untapped potential of Hugo Boss,” Grieder said.

The company is also preparing to add another Frasers representative to its supervisory board, with Robert Palmer expected to join subject to appointment by the local court. Palmer is a chartered accountant with more than four decades of experience in auditing and corporate advisory services and has served as director of Frasers Group Financial Services since 2022.

The appointment follows recent changes to Hugo Boss’ shareholder structure and comes after Sturm announced his departure from the supervisory board. Frasers said it had agreed with Sturm that an orderly transition in the chairmanship was appropriate as Hugo Boss entered a “new chapter” in its history.

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