Harold Brooks, President of Global Merchandising at DFS Group is retiring at the end of the year to be succeeded by Andrea O’Donnell.

 

Brooks (right) has led the duty free and travel retailer’s Merchandising Group for six years, after a long career in management and merchandising with leading retail organisations. He plans to return to the US.

 

In a three-month handover period, Brooks will pass the reins of Global Merchandising to Andrea O’Donnell (below), who will join DFS on 6 October. O’Donnell has a merchandising background including 20 years in the UK with retailers such as Arcadia, Debenhams and John Lewis.

 

She spent more than eight years at the latter group, reaching the position of Commercial Director (at board level) where she was responsible for strategy, online and omni-channel, property, B2B and retail shop openings. O’Donnell successfully opened four ‘At Home’ stores for John Lewis in 2012.

 

Since August 2012 she has been Executive Director for Lane Crawford, based in Hong Kong, responsible for merchandising, store planning, CRM and marketing.

 

DFS says of Brooks’ tenure: “Harold has been instrumental in driving innovation, sales and profitability, and helped position DFS as one of the world’s premier purveyors of luxury brands. With significant experience and product merchandising talents, he further developed the company’s important brand partnerships and helped create an exceptional shopping experience for the global traveller.”

 

‘INVALUABLE INSIGHTS’

Philippe Schaus (right), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DFS Group, adds: “I would like to personally thank Harold for our great partnership and his dedication in helping evolve and grow our company during this very exciting period. He has brought invaluable insights as a key member of our Senior Executive Committee and as a partner to me as CEO.”

 

Prior to joining DFS in 2008, Brooks worked in fashion retail in the US, including 20 years with department stores group May, culminating in the role of President and CEO of one of its divisions. He then moved to the wholesale side serving as President of the Fashion Watch division with Fossil prior to joining DFS.

 

Brooks says: “DFS is a tremendous company and I’m very proud of all we have accomplished over the past six years. We have continued to introduce new ways to excite our customers and create valuable channels for our brand partners. I am leaving DFS in great hands and look forward to following its continued success in the years to come.”