Ted Baker appoints former retail HR director to board

Helena Feltham will join the Ted Baker board on May 1 and will advise as the retailer begins the process of revamping its HR policies, following the resignation of former chief executive Ray Kelvin.

Feltham was previously people director at B&Q, and also held senior HR roles at Jack Wills, M&S, Topshop and with Woolworths in South Africa. She also spent a number of years working with executive search and recruitment firm Odgers Berndtson.

She is currently a director and trustee of the Retail Trust and was previously a non-executive director at the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust.

Ted Baker executive chair David Bernstein said: “We are delighted that Helena is joining us at this important time for the business. Working with the board, Helena’s support and insight on implementing the recommendations from the independent HR policies and procedures review will be of great value.”

Feltham said: “Ted Baker has great people who have an obvious passion for what they do. I am really looking forward to working with the board and the wider team.”

Kelvin resigned in March amid a “forced hugging” row, and complaints from former staff over his conduct. Kelvin denied all claims against him.

Ted Baker subsequently vowed to revamp its HR policies following an internal investigation into Kelvin. The probe, conducted by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, found “several areas for improvement” in the way the retailer handled accusations against Kelvin.