House of Fraser appoints chief product and trading officer
The House of Fraser department store group has appointed David Walker-Smith as its chief product and trading officer.
Having worked in retail, buying and merchandising for more than 20 years, Walker-Smith’s previous roles include managing director at Fenwick’s and executive buying and merchandising director for beauty, menswear and home at Selfridges. Most recently, he has been advising a number luxury retailers as a brand consultant.
At House of Fraser, Walker-Smith will be working to optimise commercial opportunities and brand partnerships as well as further develop the retailer’s house brands.
He will join the business on 12 March when he will succeed Maria Hollins. In his new role he will report directly to Alex Williamson, House of Fraser’s chief executive..
Williamson said: David has had a stellar retail, buying and merchandising career to date. Our ability to attract an individual of David‘s calibre is a real testament to our ambitions for growth in the UK. David’s appointment adds additional strength to our leadership team and he will play an instrumental role in delivering key elements of the transformation programme.”
House of Fraser operates in 59 locations across the UK and Ireland and has annual sales of £1.3 billion.
