UK fashion house Paul Smith has attracted a major retail name to its board.Ewan Venters, the former chief executive of high-end London department store Fortnum & Mason, has joined the house as an independent director.

Venters, who oversaw a period of record performance during his eight years at Fortnum & Mason and has also held management roles at Selfridges, has agreed to become an non-executive at the business headed by founder Sir Paul, who remains heavily involved in the business as chairman, reported Sky News.

“Ewan is joining us at a pivotal moment for the company as we consider a number of key strategies to shape the future of our special brand,” said Sir Paul. He added that Venters’ “extensive experience in the retail, hospitality and cultural sectors will bring a welcome fresh perspective on what we do.”

Venters recently stepped down as head of global contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth but remains the chair of the private sector council of the government’s ‘Great’ campaign. He is also a trustee of the King’s Foundation and was awarded an OBE in the King’s Honours List in 2024 for services to international trade.

Venters said: “I have been friends with Sir Paul for some time, and I have long been an admirer of what is indisputably a great British brand. This is a very exciting moment for the Paul Smith label, and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”