Fenwick has said it is ready to embark on its next stage of growth after announcing its appointment of a new CEO, Nigel Blow.

Mr Blow, who is currently the CEO at department store chain Morleys, will move into the role in October and will take over from John Edgar, who left the business after four and a half years at the top.

Sian Westerman, Fenwick Chair, said: “John Edgar is stepping down as CEO of Fenwick as part of a reorganisation of our executive leadership team and wider changes to the management structure of the company.

“Over the past 4.5 years, John has successfully steered the business through the Covid-19 pandemic, launched our online proposition, enhanced and expanded our restaurant business, focused on the development of key stores, including a masterplan project in Newcastle and significant improvements to the Kingston store. We appreciate John’s contribution to the business and wish him every success for the future.”

The luxury retailer, which has now traded for more than 140 years, is the UK’s largest family-owned group of department stores in the UK, with seven stores based around the country alongside its flagship shop in Newcastle’s Northumberland Street, as well as a strong online presence.

Outgoing CEO Mr Edgar, originally from Darlington, was appointed during the first national lockdown in April 2020 and led a number of investments and additions to the business to help the chain differentiate itself from rivals, with changes including the introduction of a raft of new brands and investment in Newcastle to create two new atria in the building, a new Mother Mercy cocktail bar in the basement and the renovation of the beauty hall.

Ms Westerman said the appointment of Mr Blow as CEO marks the latest in a list of recent transformation for the business, which sold its London Bond Street store last year after 131 years of trading – selling the building to developers off a guide price of £430m – to re-invest in its Tyneside site and digital strategy.

The company has also expanded other areas including its restaurant offering, which has seen successful collaborations with Greggs and its current partnership with Michelin-starred Northumberland restaurant Hjem.

Ms Westerman added: “We are excited for Nigel to join us, bringing with him a wealth of retail experience – including his current role as CEO of Morleys, and we know he is ready to help lead Fenwick into the next stage of its growth.”