Monsoon Accessorize in hunt for brace of senior marketers

High street fashion retail group Monsoon Accessorize is seeking a marketing director to replace Graham Sim, who leaves at the end of this month. It is not known whether he has a job to go to.

The retailer is also looking for a head of marketing, who will report to the incoming marketing director, in a move to beef up its marketing department.

Sim joined the “boho” fashion retailer in 2003, as marketing director. At the time, it was the most senior marketing appointment in the company’s history. As group marketing director, he reported to chief executive Rose Foster. Under his tenure, Sophie Dahl was signed as the face of Monsoon Accessorize.

Monsoon Accessorize poached Sim from upmarket fashion group Jaeger/ Viyella. Previously, he worked for luxury goods company Mulberry.

Monsoon was founded in 1972 by Peter Simon, with a focus on ethnic themes. In 1984, the Accessorize chain was launched and the group has expanded rapidly since. Monsoon Accessorize now has over 300 stores throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as outlets worldwide.

The marketing chief will be tasked with developing the brands both at home and overseas.

For the year to May 28, the group made a profit of &£59.1m before tax and exceptional items – a 34 per cent increase on the previous year.