New Look, the Weymouth-headquartered fashion chain with 309 shops in the UK, has named Lynda Petherick as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Helen Connolly, who will leave the company in late September to head up Asda’s fashion and homeware business, George. The appointment was announced as the retailer published its full-year results, revealing that earnings had more than doubled. The company credited fewer discounts, stricter cost control, and a loyalty programme that has now surpassed one million members for the improvement.
Petherick joined the retailer in 2024 as chief information officer and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2025. In that role, she led New Look’s push to accelerate its use of data and technology and transform its digital channels. The company highlighted her work in modernising its online operations as online shopping now accounts for around 40 per cent of total revenues.
Annual earnings more than double
New Look reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of £36.6m for the year to the end of March, up from £14.3m in the previous year. Digital sales increased by 1.6 per cent year-on-year, and the retailer said it is the UK’s third-largest online women’s fashion retailer.
Cost discipline drives improvement
The stronger performance was driven by more disciplined cost management in the face of rising costs, reduced discounting, and improved stock quality, which resulted in a higher proportion of products being sold at full price. New Look said these factors helped boost profitability while consumers continued to face pressure on their spending.
Store closures and refinancing
The results follow a period of restructuring for the fashion chain. Last year, New Look closed 15 of its UK shops and announced it would shut all 26 of its stores in the Republic of Ireland as squeezed consumer spending took its toll. The company has also completed a refinancing of its loan facilities to 2029, which it said will provide flexibility and support selective investment in its digital channels and shops.
Recent trading and product response
Trading has improved in the months since the year-end. Between April and June, New Look recorded Ebitda of £17.4m, up £1.8m compared with the same period a year earlier. The company said customers had responded well to recent product lines, including new collections in denim, dresses, knitwear and footwear.
Loyalty programme surpasses one million members
New Look also said its Club New Look loyalty programme now has more than one million members. The scheme offers weekly discounts and early access to sales. According to the company, members shop around seven times more frequently and spend approximately 9.5 times more annually on average than non-members, underlining the programme’s importance to the business.
Leadership reaction
Chairman Mike Coupe said the retailer was "in a stronger position than it has been for many years". He added: "The board is delighted to appoint Lynda as chief executive. She combines strong commercial judgment and operational discipline with a deep understanding of our customers, our brand and the role that data and technology will play in our future."
Petherick described New Look as a "fantastic brand" with "millions of loyal customers". She said: "Over the past two years, we have made significant progress in strengthening the business and becoming a faster, more data-led and customer-focused organisation. I am excited about what New Look can achieve and look forward to working with our brilliant teams to build on the strong progress already made and deliver the next phase of sustainable, profitable growth."
Petherick will formally take over from Connolly later this year, with Connolly remaining with the company until late September to ensure a smooth handover. The leadership change marks the next step in New Look’s turnaround as it continues to invest in digital and data-led retailing.
