Claire's appoints European boss Beatrice Lafon as global chief executive

Lafon takes over the role today following Fielding’s resignation.

Claire’s chairman Peter P. Copses said: “In Beatrice, we have a strong leader with deep retail experience. She has an intimate understanding of our business, and a track record of driving sales in existing locations and successfully opening new stores.”

Lafon is best known as a turnaround specialist, with stints at Dutch group Etam, TJ Hughes – where she was brought in to sell the company, which she did within 12 weeks – and Woolworths under her belt.

She has been president of Claire’s 15 country European business for the past three years where she led its turn around. She has increased Claire’s fashion appeal, lowered its prices and launched ecommerce in the UK.

She said: “As CEO, I look forward to creating value by leveraging best practices, by maximising the unique talents of both our North American and European teams as well as by harnessing the strength of our sourcing teams based in Asia. In partnership with our franchisees all over the world, we will seek to maximise Claire’s global sales and EBITDA.”