Alannah Weston steps up as Selfridges Group chair

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 1, 2019

W. Galen Weston is handing over the reins of Selfridges Group to his daughter Alannah Weston. The family business has announced that she became the new chair on Wednesday.

Alannah Weston was previously deputy chair of the luxury group, which comprises Selfridges & Co in the UK, Holt Renfrew in Canada, de Bijenkorf in the Netherlands and both Brown Thomas and Arnotts in Ireland. The planned succession will see W. Galen Weston become chairman emeritus.

In her new role, Weston, who has been a major player in the retailer's transformation into a global luxury leader, will oversee the group’s sustainability efforts and work closely with the recently announced leadership team to position the business for continued growth.

Commenting on his daughter’s appointment, W. Galen Weston said: “I have had the pleasure of working alongside her over many years, and have seen up close her continued commitment to driving our performance, leadership and innovation.”

Alannah Weston added: “I welcome the opportunity to work with our great people to create the best destination department stores, providing extraordinary experiences for our customers both in-store and online. I am also determined to continue building a truly sustainable, successful business.”

The Weston family acquired Selfridges for £598 million in 2003 and formed the Selfridges Group by combining several high-end department store chains in the UK, Ireland, Canada and the Netherlands. At the time it was an already successful big name in the luxury sector, but has since embraced ultra-luxury and also experience-focused retail that has made it a major influencer. Initiatives such as its giant accessories hall, its indoor skate bowl, and its Corner Shop have been trendsetters for the wider sector.