Morleys appoints new chief executive
Morleys Department Stores has appointed Ray Clacher as its new chief executive
He will succeed Allan Winstanley who will be stepping down at the end of this month. Due to join the business on 5 January, Clacher has worked extensively in the retail and fashion sectors.
Most recently, he served as chief commercial officer at Brand Alley and has also previously held senior leadership roles within the Li & Fung Group, including group managing director for Gieves & Hawkes, Kent & Curwen and Cerruti 1881. Earlier in his career, he worked at DH Evans and House of Fraser.
The news comes at Morleys Department Stores prepares for its next phase of growth.
Subscribe to TRBBernard Dreesmann, chairman of Morleys Department Stores, said: “Ray’s breadth of experience across premium fashion, commercial retail and department stores makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Morleys into its next chapter. We are delighted to welcome him to the business and wish him every success in his new role.”
Clacher said: “I am thrilled to be joining Morleys Department Stores at such an exciting time, with the opening of Jollys in August 2026. The business has a proud history and a strong position in the UK department store market, and I look forward to working with the team to build on this success and drive growth in the years ahead.”
The company has also announced that buying director Daren Gittins has decided to take a planned break from the business to pursue his passion for travel. Having spent 13 years with Morleys, he has played a pivotal a pivotal role in shaping buying strategy. He will be leaving the business on 30 April 2026.
