Allan Winstanley has been appointed as the new CEO of Morleys department stores.
- Winstanley is scheduled to begin his role in January, succeeding Nigel Blow.
- He brings extensive international retail experience from roles in Australia, the US, and the UK.
- Nigel Blow faced a withdrawn job offer from Fenwick following allegations against a previous employer.
- Winstanley started his career at M&S and has worked with House of Fraser and Selfridges’s De Bijenkorf.
Allan Winstanley’s appointment as the CEO of Morleys sees him bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles in prominent retail sectors across the globe. Scheduled to begin his tenure in January, Winstanley steps into the shoes of Nigel Blow, who has held the position for the past eight years. Winstanley’s international career spans key positions in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, making him a seasoned leader in the industry.
Prior to returning to the UK, Winstanley served as the Chief Merchandise Officer at Myer department stores in Australia. His career also includes noteworthy roles such as President of Sears and Kmart apparel in the United States and Chief Merchandise Officer at De Bijenkorf, the Dutch department store owned by Selfridges. In the UK, Winstanley was influential in leading the women’s apparel, accessories, and beauty business at House of Fraser, indicating his robust expertise in retail operations and merchandise leadership.
Nigel Blow’s departure comes amidst a backdrop of controversy involving a withdrawn job offer from Fenwick. This was subsequent to sexual assault and rape allegations made against Mohamed Al Fayed, a previous owner of Harrods, where Blow had earlier been employed. Blow’s experience in managing Morleys through varying retail challenges over the past eight years is noteworthy as he navigated the complexities of the sector.
Winstanley’s career began at Marks & Spencer, providing him with foundational retail insights which he has expanded and diversified throughout his career. His leadership is set to bring a fresh perspective to Morleys, leveraging his extensive background in diverse international markets and executive roles to steer the department store chain into its next chapter.
Winstanley’s diverse global retail experience positions him as a strategic fit to lead Morleys into the future.
