The chief financial officer (CFO) of Next will retire next year after 28 years at the clothing retailer.

Amanda James will step down from the board on 26 July 2024 and will leave the group on 26 September 2024, Next said.

Jonathan Blanchard will take on the role of CFO in February next year, while he will join the board in July 2024.

Blanchard is currently CFO at clothing retailer Reiss and joined the company as board director in 2017. Next said he has over 30 years’ experience in finance and has spent the past 25 years of his career at board level in retail companies.

“Amanda has made a huge contribution to the group in her 28 years with Next and has been an exceptional guardian of our finances,” Next said in a statement. “Our financial position today is testament to her diligence and hard work. The board is extremely grateful to Amanda for her excellent service to the group.”

The company continued: “We have worked closely with Jonathan for over three years and believe that his skills are well suited to Next's financial disciplines and its culture.”

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