Digital retailer Shop Direct appoints new group FD

The UK’s second largest pureplay digital retailer Shop Direct has appointed a new group finance director.

Derek Harding joins from FTSE 250 international engineering group Senior PLC, where he has been group finance director since September 2013. Prior to his role at Senior, Harding had a number of group roles at FTSE 100 company Wolseley plc, including finance director of Wolseley UK.

Harding replaces current group finance director Greg Pateras, who leaves the role in July this year after 10 years with the company.

Group CEO of Shop Direct Alex Baldock said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Derek to Shop Direct as we step up our transformation to a world class digital retailer.

“Derek is a world class finance director of large, complex businesses. Most recently, at Senior, he has played an important role in developing and delivering the growth strategy for a technology-focused business. At Wolseley, he was integral to the multichannel distributor’s organic and acquisitive growth.

“Derek will strengthen an already strong executive team here at Shop Direct. I very much look forward to working with him.”

Harding said “Shop Direct has achieved a remarkable digital transformation and driven strong and sustainable profit growth thanks to its focus on strict controls and a shrewd investment strategy. I look forward to working with Alex and the team to propel the business ever-closer to its vision of world class.”

Harding will take up the position later this year.

Shop Direct has annual sales of £1.9bn and is behind digital department store brands Very.co.uk and Littlewoods.com.