Ex JD Sports’ boss Peter Cowgill makes retail return with top job at The Fragrance Shop

Former head of JD Sports Peter Cowgill has been named by online perfume seller The Fragrance Shop as its new chairman.

Cowgill departed the sneaker seller earlier this year after a slew of controversies, following decades at the helm of the retailer.

He is to take on the job of non-executive chairman immediately, as the e-commerce retailer looks to expand.

 “I feel very privileged to take on this role at an exciting time for the business as it continues to execute its growth strategy,” Cowgill said.

Earlier this year, Cowgill stepped down following several brushes with the competition watchdog. 

JD Sports agreed exit terms with Cowgill that included a £3.5m payment over two years for agreeing to certain limits and £2m over three years for a consultancy agreement.

A “binding set of new and enhanced restrictive covenants for a two-year period,” have been agreed, preventing Cowgill from working for or advising rivals or soliciting any of JD Sports’ employees. 

Bosses also secured a consultancy agreement for an expected period of three years, with Cowgill set to receive £2m for.

This will help new chair and CEO Andy Higginson and Régis Schultz transition into their new roles.