Richard Bradbury has returned as boss of River Island, 12 years after leaving the fashion retailer.
Bradbury, who was the first person outside the founding Lewis family to run River Island, left in 2010 but has been appointed executive chair. He will succeed Will Kernan at the helm from January 1 next year.
Clive Lewis will stand down as chair of River Island but will remain as a non-executive director.
Bradbury previously spent 20 years at River Island and left to pursue other interests including charity work. It was revealed in November that Kernan would leave River Island after three years in charge.
Lewis informed River Island staff of the changes today. He said: “Will’s last day as CEO will be December 31 and he will remain with the business until the end of April to oversee the implementation of key digital projects.
“I am pleased to announce that, with effect from January 1, Richard Bradbury will rejoin the business as executive chair with full responsibilities for leadership of the business.
“I will continue as a non-executive director and will work closely with Richard as will the rest of the board
“Will led the business through a very difficult period and I have very much enjoyed working with him. He made a significant contribution and we wish him the very best for the future.”
In September, River Island reported that it was back in the black, as operating profits came in at £73.5m versus a loss of £36.2m the previous year. Revenues rose 23.2% to £740m in the same period.
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