Harrods has promoted Mark Blundell to be its new chief retail officer, in an expansion of its senior leadership.
Blundell, who has been Harrod’s retail director since 2022, will now sit on the luxury retailer’s management executive committee, reporting into Harrods managing director Michael Ward.
Having started his career in Barclays retail banks, Blundell held several branch manager and customer roles at Waitrose and John Lewis, before joining Harrods in 2018 as head of retail prospects and services. He will oversee all aspects of service and standards across the brand’s physical and e-commerce channels, as well as customer experience.
“I am pleased to promote Mark to join the Harrods management executive committee,” said Ward.
“Mark is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in managing teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences and strong commercial results. His strategic leadership will support the ongoing development of our high-performance culture and continuing evolution of Harrods as the leading luxury authority.”
Alongside Blundell’s appointment Harrods also promoted head of marcomms Sarah Myler to chief brand and reputation officer in August.
Myler joined as director in 2018, and has led the retailer’s international marketing strategy, international business development, communications and events. She will now lead its marketing and communications strategy across all channels globally, “acting as guardian of the Harrods brand”, the retailer said.
Myler will also now sit on Harrods’ management executive committee.
Her appointment comes as Harrods looks to continue to rebuild its reputation following the widespread allegations of abuse by former owner Mohammed Al Fayed as well as two high-profile cyberattacks in May and September. The data of more than 430,000 customers was stolen by hackers during the second.
Harrods’ profits have shrunk amid a slowdown in luxury spending, with operating profit falling 17% to £177.7, in the 52 weeks to 1 February 2025 – its most recent trading update. Pre-tax losses were £34.4m.
The retailer has set aside £62.2m in potential compensation to victims of the alleged abuse by its former owner, who sold the business to the Qatar Investment Authority in 2010.
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