Jack Wills to hire former trade minister Lord Davies as chairman

Lord Davies’ appointment is expected to pre-empt a stock market debut from Jack Wills, according to Sky News.

Lord Davies will join former Burberry chief executive Rose Marie Bravo on the Jack Wills board. The retailer hired former Vodafone executive Wendy Becker as its chief executive last year, taking over from founder Peter Williams.

Jack Wills, which has 80 stores, sold a stake to private equity firm Inflexion in 2007.  

Although Jack Wills is understood not to be in a hurry to float, its investors are understood to be watching closely the current pack of retailers listing.

Jack Wills made a £9.7m pre-tax loss in the year to February 3, 2013 as it restructured the business, including closing sister brand Aubin & Wills.