Matalan has strengthened its senior management team with two new hires as the value fashion/homewares retailer continues “to put customers first and deliver on its strategic plan”.

James Dorling has been appointed director of Property and will be responsible for overseeing Matalan’s network of over 220 UK stores. His focus will be on ensuring the property strategy is “optimised, forward-looking and contributing to the business’s wider transformation strategy”. 

Dorling joins with extensive experience in property management and leadership, having held positions at Gymshark, Wilko, Walgreens and Walmart, following a 10-year property career at supermarket giant Tesco.

Meanwhile, Keith Down has has also joined Matalan’s board as a non-executive director and chair of its Audit Committee following Paul Copley’s decision to step down.

Down has wide and extensive experience in retail and finance “bring[ing] valuable expertise” from leadership roles at Selfridges Group, Dunelm, and Tesco.

Karl-Heinz Holland, Matalan’s executive chair, said: “[They] both join with relevant expertise that will prove highly valuable as we continue to execute our strategic plan.”

He added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Copley for his significant contribution to the business, particularly during his time as Chair.”