Asda names New Look head Helen Connolly as George chief executive
Asda has appointed New Look head Helen Connolly as chief executive of George, marking a return to the business for her.
With more than 30 years’ experience in fashion and retail, she joined New Look in 2020, initially as chief commercial officer, before being appointed chief executive in 2022.
Subscribe to TRBPrior to that, Connolly was chief executive of Bonmarché, and spent more than 15 years at George across two earlier periods in her career.
Allan Leighton, chairman of Asda, said: “Helen is an exceptionally experienced retailer with a strong track record of leading fashion and retail businesses.
“Her combination of leadership experience, commercial expertise and understanding of our customers makes her the ideal person to lead George through its next phase of growth.”
Connolly will succeed Liz Evans, chief commercial officer of non-food and managing director of George, who recently left Asda after four years with the business.
Connolly said: “I’m delighted to be returning to George at Asda. I spent many years with the business earlier in my career, so in many ways this feels like coming home.
“There’s a real passion for serving customers well and creating products that offer outstanding quality, style and value. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on that and help shape what’s next.”
George has ambitious growth plans which include opening stores in 100 standalone locations in the next five years.
