Matalan Boosts Senior Team with Key New Hires to Drive Strategic Growth

Matalan has strengthened its leadership team by welcoming two seasoned professionals, James Dorling and Keith Down, to support its strategic goals and operational growth. The company appointed Dorling as Director of Property and Down as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee, following the departure of Paul Copley from the board, according to Fashion Network.

James Dorling will oversee Matalan’s extensive property portfolio, which includes over 220 stores across the UK. He brings a wealth of property management expertise, having previously held key roles at major retailers like Gymshark, Wilko, Walgreens, Walmart, and Tesco, where he spent a decade building his property career. Dorling is expected to play a pivotal role in optimizing Matalan’s property strategy, aligning it with the company’s broader transformation goals.

Keith Down joins Matalan with a robust background in retail and finance, bringing invaluable insight from leadership roles at Selfridges Group, Dunelm, Tesco, and Topps Tiles. He will also continue serving on the boards of Tortilla and Topps Tiles. As the new Chair of the Audit Committee, Down’s financial expertise will support Matalan’s commitment to financial rigor and governance.

Karl-Heinz Holland, Matalan’s Executive Chair, expressed enthusiasm about the new hires, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome James and Keith to the business, who both join with relevant expertise that will prove highly valuable as we continue to execute our strategic plan.” Holland also took a moment to recognize Paul Copley’s contributions, adding, “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Copley for his significant contribution to the business, particularly during his time as chair.”

Dorling and Down’s appointments come at a critical time for Matalan, as the company seeks to strengthen its market position and advance its transformation strategy. With these new leadership additions, Matalan is positioned to leverage extensive industry experience in both property and finance, a move anticipated to enhance its operational resilience and future growth potential.