Upmarket retail chain David Jones has lost another CEO after incumbent Iain Nairn quit his post late yesterday afternoon after just 14 months in the job.
However, Nairn’s replacement has already been found with the announcement this morning that Briton John Dixon was to take up the role. Dixon had previously spent 30 years with famed British retailer Marks & Spencer. He was overlooked for the M&S CEO role in July and resigned from his position.
DJ’s South African owners announced Nairn was stepping down for “personal reasons”. In his short tenure in the role, Nairn had overseen some of the retailer’s best sales in a decade.
Nairn had also overseen a complete overhaul of the business that had seen improvements in stores, online shopping, technology and supply chains. DJs has also dominated arch rival Myer with almost double its growth over the past 12 months.
This will be DJs’ third boss in four years. Paul Zahra quit in early 2014 while former boss, Mark McInnes, was forced to resign in 2010 following claims of sexual harassment.
Dixon said of his elevation to the top role: “I’m very excited to be taking on this role as CEO of David Jones. It’s a substantial business in its own right and lies at the heart of Australian society. It’s a privilege to take on such a role and I am hugely excited by the future possibilities for growth and continuing to be the pre-eminent department store business. I’m thoroughly looking forward to the challenge.”
