FatFace names ex-Joules chief Colin Porter as chairman

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Nov 23, 2020

Multichannel British lifestyle brand FatFace has named Colin Porter as its new non-executive chairman, replacing Stuart Rose who left in the autumn.

He has a strong CV from a selection of major UK fashion names having been chairman of men’s tailoring specialist Moss Bros and CEO of lifestyle brand Joules during its dynamic growth phase. 

Also currently chairman of British lifestyle brand Emma Bridgewater, he’s taking up his new role at FatFace with immediate effect.

The company’s CEO Liz Evans highlighted that experience, especially in the multichannel and lifestyle areas. And she said his knowledge will be crucial as the firm continues to build “on the strong foundations that the brand has built in the US”.

He certainly joins at a challenging time for the business with many of its stores now in a second enforced lockdown following the UK-wide lockdown back in the spring. 

But FatFace is in a relatively strong position having in September announced the completion of a £15 million refinancing agreement that saw control of the business passing to its lenders and the departure of its chairman. 

Former Arcadia and M&S CEO Lord Rose stepped down as chairman after seven years in the role when the finance deal was put in place.