• Richard Campbell appointed to help with turnaround bid 
  • Mamas & Papas restructured last year after chief executive left
  • Strong trading over Christmas

Mamas & Papas has appointed a former Debenhams executive as its chief marketing officer to boost its turnaround effort.

Richard Campbell, whose most recent role was customer director at Rank Group, will be responsible for all aspects of Mamas & Papas’ marketing in the newly-created role. 

In his early career, Campbell was head of marketing at Debenhams.

Private equity-owned Mamas & Papas restructured last year after it lost its chief executive, Chris Yates. He was not directly replaced, with the group now led by co-chief executive Jonathon Fitzgerald and executive chairman Derek Lovelock.

The retailer went through a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in 2014 to save it from administration. However, it returned to profit last year and reported an 18% jump in Christmas like-for-likes.

Lovelock said: “He [Campbell] joins us just as the turnaround at Mamas & Papas is really gathering pace and he will play a key role in delivering our exciting and ambitious growth plans.”

Mamas & Papas, owned by BlueGem Capital Partners, operates in 59 countries, has 34 UK stores and employs 1,245 staff.

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