Morley Department Stores Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Smallwood as the newly created chief trading officer (CTO). Following an extensive executive search, Melanie will join the company in April, reporting directly to Ray Clacher, CEO of Morleys.
Melanie brings over 30 years of senior retail leadership experience, with an outstanding track record spanning some of the UK’s most prestigious luxury and premium department stores, including Harrods, where she held P&L responsibility for Womenswear and Kidswear divisions, and Harvey Nichols, where she served as Global Buying Director. Most recently, Melanie served as Chief Commercial & Brand Partnerships Officer at Global Fashion Group, where she led trading and commercial strategy across 12 countries. In her new role, Melanie will take full responsibility for the Group’s buying and merchandising function, reporting directly to the CEO and Board
This appointment marks the culmination of Morley’s efforts to bolster its senior leadership team, following the recent appointments of Judd Wilson as chief financial officer in October and Ray Clacher as CEO in January. Bernard Dreesmann, chairman of Morley Department Stores Limited, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Melanie Smallwood to the group. We are extremely flattered that Melanie has agreed to join us at this critical time for the business. Our new management team, together with a multi-million pound investment into our latest new store, Jolly’s of Bath, opening later this year, signifies our commitment to strengthening the independent department store sector. Melanie’s extensive department store career will prove invaluable to us.”
Ray Clacher, CEO, added: “Many of us in premium/luxury retail know Melanie well. I could not be happier that we managed to convince Melanie to join us on this exciting journey for this group, which will proudly be 100 years old in 2027. I look forward to working with Melanie and all the senior team to show that the community department is still a vital mainstay of the British high street.”
The entire Morleys team eagerly anticipates Melanie’s arrival just after Easter, as they continue to drive the company forward with renewed leadership and strategic vision.
