Morleys Department Stores Ltd today announces a number of senior leadership changes as the business prepares for its next phase of growth.
Allan Winstanley will be stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer at the end of December 2025, following a successful tenure leading the business. Buying Director Daren Gittins has also decided to take a planned break from the business to pursue his passion for travel. Daren has spent 13 years with Morleys and has played a pivotal role in shaping the department store group’s buying strategy. He will be leaving the business on 30 April 2026.
Looking ahead, Morleys is pleased to announce the appointment of Ray Clacher as Chief Executive Officer, effective 5 January 2026. Ray brings extensive experience across the retail and fashion sectors. Most recently, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at BrandAlley. Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles within the Li & Fung Group, including Group Managing Director for Gieves & Hawkes, Kent & Curwen and Cerruti 1881. Earlier in his career, Ray worked at D H Evans and House of Fraser, giving him a deep understanding of the UK department store landscape.
Ray Clacher commented:
I am thrilled to be joining Morleys Department Stores at such an exciting time, with the opening of Jollys in August 2026. The business has a proud history and a strong position in the UK department store market, and I look forward to working with the team to build on this success and drive growth in the years ahead.”
Bernard Dreesmann, Chairman of Morleys Department Stores, said: “Ray’s breadth of experience across premium fashion, commercial retail and department stores makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Morleys into its next chapter. We are delighted to welcome him to the business and wish him every success in his new role.”
Jollys – the latest store in the Morleys Group, reopened earlier this year
