House of Fraser kicks off redundancy consultations at head office

Several departments across the retailer’s head office have been affected, including merchandising and design, Drapers reported.

It is understood that Trudy Read, director of international merchandising, is involved in the redundancy process.

A House of Fraser spokeswoman declined to confirm specific names or numbers of staff involved but said: “In line with our strategy to focus on becoming a more customer-centric, experience-led retailer, House of Fraser announced organisational changes which will support the transformation of the business.

“As a result, House of Fraser has entered into a consultation process with a small number of colleagues over potential redundancies within head office. Further than that, we cannot comment.”

Executive exodus

It comes after the department store retailer’s digital director David Seeby exited the business after six months in the role.

House of Fraser, which is owned by Chinese conglomerate Sanpower, is in the process of rebuilding its senior team following a raft of departures over the past 18 months.

Those who have left the retailer include chief executive Nigel Oddy, supply chain director Ray Kavanagh, chief customer officer Andy Harding, director of global multichannel trading Martin Francis, clothing and accessories boss Jackie Hay and head of home, food and beauty Ysanne Jenkins.

The retailer lifted the lid on its new strategy in March with a plan to drive efficiencies across its supply chain, as well as focusing on customer experience.

Former Goodwood boss Alex Williamson joins House of Fraser on July 31 as the retailer’s new chief executive, replacing Nigel Oddy.