• John Barton will retire on August 1
  • Next has appointed Michael Roney to succeed Barton
  • Barton became a member of the retailer’s board in 2002 

 

Next’s non-executive chairman John Barton will retire this year after 11 years in the role.

Barton, aged 72, will step down from his role and the board of the fashion retailer on August 1.

Barton joined the retailer’s board in 2002 and was appointed deputy chairman in 2004 before becoming chairman in 2006.

A statement from Next said: “John has made an outstanding contribution to the company over the last 15 years and his leadership, experience and wise counsel have been tremendously valuable over that time.

“John leaves with the profound thanks of his colleagues.”

To succeed Barton, Next has appointed Michael Roney as independent non-executive chairman, deputy chairman and chairman designate with immediate effect.

Roney acted as chief executive of distribution and outsourcing company Bunzl until last year and has held non-executive roles at businesses including Brown-Forman and Johnson Matthey.

He is currently chairman of building materials company Grafton Group.

Next last month reported a slump in Christmas sales.

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