The Very Group, winner of the BTHA Toy Retailer of the Year Online Excellence Award, has promoted Retail Managing Director Robbie Feather to Group CEO.
Robbie Feather, who joined The Very Group in 2021, previously led the company’s retail team, which includes all category sourcing, buying, and merchandising, as well as group trading and marketing. He has recently overseen the development of the company’s successful new brand platform and its market-beating retail performance.
Aidan Barclay, the Group’s Chairman, said: “Robbie has proven to be an outstanding retail leader, both at The Very Group and throughout his career. He understands our business intimately and has a strong track record of transformation and growth.
“I’m hugely excited to be appointed CEO of The Very Group. This is an outstanding business with a unique proposition, combining multicategory digital retail with flexible ways to pay”
Formerly CEO of Fenwick, the luxury department store business, Feather helped to turn the company around and modernise its customer proposition, including launching its online business. He previously held a number of roles at Sainsbury’s Argos, including Commercial Director on the Argos board, during which time he oversaw the digital transformation of the business and led the commercial team.
Robbie Feather said: “I’m hugely excited to be appointed CEO of The Very Group. This is an outstanding business with a unique proposition, combining multicategory digital retail with flexible ways to pay. I look forward to working with our amazing Very team to delight our customers and continue to deliver sustainable growth for our shareholders.”
He succeeds Lionel Desclée, who has chosen to step down as Group CEO to pursue new opportunities. Under Lionel’s leadership, the company delivered robust results though, among other things, customer experience improvements. Desclée said: “It has been a privilege to lead this innovative and committed team in delighting our customers. I am proud of our achievements and believe that under Robbie’s leadership, the company will continue to succeed.”
