Harvey Nichols appoints Julia Goddard as new Chief Executive
Harvey Nichols has announced the appointment of Julia Goddard as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2024.
Goddard succeeds Manju Malhotra, who served as CEO for 25 years before stepping down in late 2023. She joins Harvey Nichols from Alexander McQueen, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the luxury brand’s presence across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region as President.
Goddard brings over a decade of experience from Alexander McQueen, where her leadership was marked by substantial growth in wholesale, retail, and e-concession channels. Her tenure at McQueen saw the launch of flagship stores in major cities including London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Dubai. Her career also includes senior positions at Juicy Couture, Aquascutum, and Jasmine Di Milo.
At a challenging time for the retail sector, marked by the end of tax-free shopping in the UK and ongoing economic pressures, Goddard’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to steer Harvey Nichols through a broader organisational restructure. In March, the company announced potential job cuts impacting around 5 percent of its workforce as part of efforts to streamline operations and boost profitability.
Sir Dickson Poon, Chairman of Harvey Nichols, expressed confidence in Goddard’s appointment, stating, “Julia is a dynamic business leader with a strong track record of delivering quality growth and successfully developing and executing a very important customer strategy. Her expertise and strategic capabilities will be invaluable in delivering long-term sustainable growth for Harvey Nichols.”
For the financial year ending April 1, 2023, Harvey Nichols anticipates a revenue increase of 13 percent year-on-year to £216.6 million, with a 30 percent reduction in losses, highlighting positive momentum under challenging conditions.
Goddard is enthusiastic about her new role, remarking, “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.”
Goddard will take a seat on the management board and report directly to Sir Dickson Poon and Pearson Poon, Vice Chairman of Harvey Nichols.
