Amid a push to revamp the business under new CEO Julia Goddard, Harvey Nichols has hired Katie Benson, Senior Buying Director at Net-A-Porter, as its Chief Merchant.
Benson has been with YNAP since 2017, starting at The Outnet as Buying Manager, followed by Head of Buying, before joining Net-A-Porter in 2022 as Head of Buying RTW before being promoted to Buying Director in January 2023. Prior to this, she served as Worldwide Senior Buyer for Alexander McQueen and Womenswear Designer Buyer at Australian luxury department store David Jones.
Harvey Nichols has seen a lot of change in the last two years. The retailer is undergoing a revitalisation since Goddard’s appointment in June, whom its owner, Hong Kong-based Dickinson Poon said “would be invaluable in delivering long term growth”. CEO Manju Malholtra resigned in August 2023 after 25 years at the business, amid rumours of a spat with Poon, which were hastily quashed. In the months following her resignation, Harvey Nichols launched a major shake-up of its operations, with plans to cut dozens of head office jobs, despite an expected increase in sales.
Poon said of Goddard: “Julia is a dynamic business leader with a strong track record of delivering quality growth and successfully developing and executing a very important customer (VIC) clienteling strategy. Her expertise and strategic capabilities will be invaluable in delivering long-term sustainable growth for Harvey Nichols.”
Poon has also agreed to increase funding to improve the business’ market position. The British department store chain faces stiff competition, including from fellow Knightsbridge department store Harrods, which recently invested £200 million in a total renovation of its in-store experience.
The news of Benson’s appointment follows last month’s decision by the retailer to hire fashion editor Kate Phelan as creative director, as well as news of a major marketing push at the retailer set to begin in February 2025, followed by a renovation of its London flagship.
