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Paul Smith names former Fortnum & Mason director as managing director

The Paul Smith fashion brand has appointed former Fortnum & Mason director Zia Zareem-Slade as managing director. The move comes as the company’s founder Paul Smith…

FASHION

Paul Smith names former Fortnum & Mason director as managing director

12 May, 2026 | by Angela Beevers

The Paul Smith fashion brand has appointed former Fortnum & Mason director Zia Zareem-Slade as managing director.

The move comes as the company’s founder Paul Smith is due to turn 80 in July.

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In her new position, Zareem-Slade will play a key role in driving the brand’s continued evolution. She has extensive experience of digital transformation and brand strategy, having previously worked as chief executive of the Annoushka fashion brand and as chief creative officer at Hauser & Wirth. She has also served as customer experience director at Fortnum & Mason and as head of online at Selfridges.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: The news is out…I’m thrilled to have joined Paul Smith as managing director.

“The welcome from the team in my first few days has already told me everything I need to know about why this place is so special.

“An independent business built on curiosity, originality, and a healthy refusal to take itself too seriously – I couldn’t be more excited.”

Smith said: “I’ve always believed that the best businesses are built on curiosity and originality. Zia gets that. I’m looking forward to what we’ll do together.”