Given takes up her new role at SuperGroup
RETAIL veteran Susanne Given took up the newly created role of chief operating officer at SuperGroup yesterday as the fashion house looks to strengthen its management team and boost its presence overseas.
The owner of the Superdry fashion label has had a turbulent stock market performance since its successful flotation in 2010. It has been overshadowed by concerns over supply and logistics after suffering costly warehousing problems last year.
Given, formerly John Lewis’ director of fashion and beauty, will be expected to hit the ground running, looking after all parts of the business from logistics, sourcing, IT, property and marketing – no small task given SuperGroup’s planned expansion overseas.
The move is designed to give founder and chief executive Julian Dunkerton more time to concentrate on building the brand.
Former Habitat chief operating officer Shaun Wills also joined yesterday as the group’s finance director, replacing Chas Howes.
Given was born in Denmark and moved to the UK at the age of 20 on a gap year. She has worked with some of retail’s biggest names including House of Fraser, Homebase, Harrods and TK Maxx.