British homeware brand Sophie Allport has recruited Richard Bell to the role of CEO.
With a strong back catalogue of brands to his name, Richard’s appointment follows a successful stretch as CEO at Cox & Cox, where he increased turnover three-fold in just four years.
Richard joined Cox & Cox in 2018 as chief operating officer, quickly taking on the role of CEO in 2019. Having previously headed up the marketing functions at Boden and Charles Tyrwhitt, he was instrumental in driving brand awareness and international growth for these distinctively British brands, and aims to take Sophie Allport on a similar journey.
Commenting on his new post, Richard said: “I’ve admired Sophie Allport for quite some time, so it’s very exciting to be a part of the next chapter of its story. The brand has such a strong identity, and inspires such loyalty and affection among its customer base, that it is perfectly positioned to keep accelerating and take its proposition to an even wider audience.â€
Founded by designer Sophie Allport in 2007, the firm has enjoyed continual growth and a national following, predominantly through its website, but also through 900-plus UK outlets – and more than 1,300 official stockists worldwide, as well as its own shops.
The company’s growth has accelerated with sales doubling over the past two years, and is increasingly ambitious in its outlook. Following the recent appointment of former Cath Kidston CEO Paul Spinks as a non-executive director, co-founder Jem Allport sees Bell joining the board as the key to taking the business to the next level, both in the UK and internationally.
Jem said: “I’m really excited to have someone of Richard’s experience join the team, to help steer us through the next stage of our growth. His record speaks for itself and is exactly what we need to realise our vision for the brand.â€