Shoe Zone resoles board with new finance chief Jonathan Fearn

Fearn joined the footwear retailer last July from Lloyds Pharmacy, where he was responsible for the retail operations of 235 stores.

His appointment to the board follows a top level reshuffle at the retailer.

Shoe Zone’s former finance boss Nick Davis stepped up to become chief executive last June, replacing Anthony Smith who is now executive chairman.

Commenting on Fearn’s appointment, Smith said: “I am pleased that Jonathan has agreed to join Shoe Zone plc board having been appointed finance director in July 2016.

“Jonathan has settled into the role very well and is supporting Nick and the other executive directors in the day to day running of the company.

“On behalf of the board, we look forward to working with Jonathan in his new chief financial officer capacity as we continue to develop and grow the business.”

Rise in pre-tax profits

The retailer’s pre-tax profits rose 1.1% to £10.3m in the year to October 1, 2016, while sales fell 4.2% to £159.8m.

Shoe Zone closed loss-making branches last year amid difficult trading conditions in the first half.

It currently trades from 510 stores and is piloting a big-box format in out of town retail parks.