Culture

From big-picture priorities to the details that make a difference, meet the people helping shape what we do and where we’re going next, and read why they think River Island is such a good place to work.

MEET THE PEOPLE WHO LEAD RIVER ISLAND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
BRAND & PRODUCT
MANAGING DIRECTOR
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
TRADING
MANAGING DIRECTOR
RETAIL DIRECTOR
PROPERTY DIRECTOR
PEOPLE DIRECTOR
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
CUSTOMER
& BRAND DIRECTOR
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
& E-COMMERCE DIRECTOR
Natalie Kelly
BEN LEWIS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Ben is at the helm of River Island, creating the vision and making it happen through his strategic direction.

“River Island is an iconic brand with ambition, pace and the freedom to make a real impact. You’ll work alongside talented, spirited, down-to- earth team players who care deeply about what they do and are committed to helping each other succeed. As we transform the business for the future, there’s a genuine opportunity to further your career while shaping the next chapter of one of Britain’s best-known fashion retailers. ”

Amber Gunn
JANE ESKRIETT
BRAND & PRODUCT
MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jane shapes the products and experiences that define River Island by leading Brand & Marketing, Buying, Customer, Design & Sourcing.

“The team at River Island are passionate, creative and brave problem-solvers. Together, we find ways to improve what we do every day. It’s a really dynamic place to be.”

Sarah Eldridge
KIRSTY HOMER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Kirsty ensures our stores and operations offer the best possible experiences for customers and colleagues. She leads Business Transformation, Legal, People, Property and Retail.

“We don’t just hire for where you are today. We invest in who you will become tomorrow. If you’re just starting your career, River Island is the perfect place to build the foundations and turn your potential into impact.”

Amaan Hussain
AARON POWELL
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Aaron leads Finance, Fraud, Fire, Health & Safety, and Risk, supporting River Island to operate safely, responsibly and effectively.

“There's a real appetite to innovate and adapt as we transform the business – and we’re already seeing the results. With plenty more to come, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the journey.”

Simeon Walker
SUZY SLAVID
TRADING MANAGING DIRECTOR

Suzy ensures the right products reach our customers as smoothly as possible by leading E-Commerce, Merchandising, Strategic Partnerships and Supply Chain.

“There’s a real sense of optimism and a ‘can-do’ attitude here; we have the scale of a major retailer, but we’ve kept the ‘gut instinct’ and agility of a family business which means we can make decisions quickly and just get on with it which is a massive advantage.”

Maryam Ansari-Neja
MEL AUCOTT
RETAIL DIRECTOR

Mel leads all our retail operations and stores – including RFID, Field VM and risk.

“No two days are ever the same in retail, which keeps the role exciting. Every day brings new challenges, but with those challenges comes a real sense of achievement and fulfilment when you help solve problems and make a difference.”

FRANCES BAKER
PROPERTY DIRECTOR

Frances leads everything to do with our buildings – including shopfitting and legal.

“We have an incredible history of adapting as a business to suit the market. This flexibility and open mind set was epitomised by our founder, Bernard Lewis, and continues today. We're proud of our heritage and use this to look forward with confidence, embracing change, as a trend-led fashion business should!”

Maryam Ansari-Neja
CHARLOTTE COLLINS
PEOPLE DIRECTOR

Charlotte leads everything to do with People – including our Colleague Engagement Groups (CEGs).

“People who thrive at River Island are naturally curious, passionate about what they do, commercially-minded and committed to working together. ”

Maryam Ansari-Neja
RONALD GARRICKS
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

Ronald leads technology – in stores, at head office and in between.

“We encourage people to adopt a curious mindset, and never stop learning. ”

Maryam Ansari-Neja
GEMMA SCARFE
CUSTOMER & BRAND DIRECTOR

Gemma leads everything to do with reaching and communicating with our customers, brand and marketing.

“We have incredibly talented teams who are passionate about evolving a brand that's loved by millions. We're constantly challenging ourselves to think differently, move faster and be bolder. Seeing those ideas come to life through creativity and collaboration is what makes River Island such an exciting place to be. ”

Maryam Ansari-Neja
SARAH ELDRIDGE
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC
PARTNERSHIPS & E-COMMERCE

Sarah leads the partnerships serving customers that buy River Island on other platforms or marketplaces.

“I've spent 18 years with the company and I've never viewed it as one job – it’s been a series of opportunities to learn and grow.”