Mothercare has appointed former Next Directory and Shop Direct executive Mark Newton-Jones as interim CEO following the resignation of Simon Calver in February.
In a career spanning some 30 years, Mr Newton-Jones was previously the CEO of Shop Direct, where he led the transformation and turnaround of the online and home shopping business, leaving in July 2013 after almost a decade. Prior to Shop Direct, Mark had a successful career at Next plc in senior roles in the high street retail business and latterly as the Director responsible for Next Directory.

Alan Parker, chairman of Mothercare plc, said: "We are delighted to have secured the appointment of Mark as our interim CEO. His leadership skills and depth of experience in retailing through stores and online will further enhance our drive to deliver the recovery of the UK business to complement the strong and growing international operations. We look forward to welcoming Mark to Mothercare on 17th March."

Mark Newton-Jones said: "I'm very much looking forward to working alongside Alan, the Board and the Executive team of Mothercare, and to help in the transformation of the UK business whilst we continue to grow the successful international division."