Clarks’ former interim chief executive has been appointed chair of its non-executive board and will take up her new role in May.

The footwear retailer said that Stella David will replace former chair Tom O’Neill at the business’ annual general meeting, scheduled for May 3. O’Neill was on the board of Clarks for more than 15 years as a non-executive and then as chair.

David was interim chief executive from June 25, 2018, until she was succeeded by Giorgio Presca, who joined the business on March 11, 2019. She has been on the Clarks board as a non-executive director since 2012.

The retailer said David had over 30 years’ experience working in branded consumer goods with “a focus on strategy and brand management”.

David said: “I would like to pay tribute to Tom O’Neill, who has been our chairman since 2013. He has seen the organisation through many challenges, most notably stepping in as executive chairman in 2015/16.

“On behalf of the board of directors I would like to express our thanks to Tom for his contribution to the Clarks business, with 15 years of dedicated service on our board. We greatly value his steady leadership over the years.”

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