Phase Eight chief Pickering to quit this spring

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Feb 26, 2021

UK women’s fashion brand Phase Eight is to part ways with its managing director Simon Pickering,  and doesn’t expect to hire a replacement.

Pickering is set to leave the TFG London-owned brand at the end of April, destination unknown. He joined the business in 2019 from Reiss, where he had served as chief digital officer since 2017. He’s also held several managerial roles at House of Fraser, Fat Face and Arcadia Group.

Pickering said: “Against a backdrop of significant disruption and change, I am really proud of what we have achieved at Phase Eight in recent years and look forward to keeping abreast of progress as the team continues to drive forward the development of the brand”.

TFG London chief executive Ben Barnett added: “Simon has established a clear direction for the continued development of the Phase Eight brand and we are grateful for his leadership and dedication. As the UK retail market gradually recovers from the Covid crisis, we are excited to own a portfolio of exceptional international womenswear brands that are well positioned for a swift recovery”.

He added: “Within TFG London we have an enormously talented team in place, that give me every confidence in our ability to deliver the next phase of our growth”.

Meanwhile, Phase Eight has promoted its head of buying Sally Piasecki, to product director. She will report directly to TFG London managing director Justin Hampshire, and will work alongside the existing senior team.

TFG London also owns Whistles, Hobbs, Studio 8 and Damsel in a Dress.

Earlier this year, Phase Eight was among a raft of womenswear names to sign with M&S to sell its clothes on the retailer’s online platform and in its stores.