Next saviour Sir David Jones dies

Jones rescued Next from the brink of disaster in the 1980s and broke the mould among chief executives by publicly acknowledging that he was suffering a serious illness – in his case, Parkinson’s Disease, which he kept secret for many years.

Next said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that Next plc records the passing of its former chairman and chief executive Sir David Jones CBE over the weekend.

“David will be remembered by many of his colleagues as the man whose courage, good sense, kindness and hard work navigated the company through its most demanding moments in the late 1980s until his retirement in 2006.

“David was a true friend of Next and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Jones steered Next back to success after it over-expanded under former boss George Davies, who also took the retailer to new heights. Jones also paved the way for the succession as Next chief executive of Simon Wolfson, formerly Jones’ executive assistant.

Jones moved to Next from catalogue specialist Grattan in 1986 and became chief executive two years later as Davies was ousted.

Jones suffered from Parkinson’s for more than 40 years.

He kept it secret for decades before revealing it in a newspaper interview, a decision out of keeping with previous senior business leaders’ practice that he hoped would build understanding.

When he handed over the reins at Next Wolfson said: “His blend of common sense, financial prudence and personal warmth has been an inspiration to all of those who have worked for him.”

Jones was also credited with overseeing changes at grocer Morrisons in the early 2000s, where he was deputy chair and played a leading role in attempts to overhaul governance at the grocer.

He also became chair of JJB Sports, where his formerly blameless career was called into question over claims of false market statements, and having borrowed money from Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley.

However Jones will be remembered for overseeing the revival of Next, for which he won respect from other retailers and the City.