Harvey Nichols hires former O2 brand chief as marketing director

Harvey Nichols has appointed former O2 head of brand Shadi Halliwell to the newly created role of group marketing and creative director as the retailer restructures its press and marketing department.

Halliwell left O2 after 23 years earlier this year as part of a shake-up of the mobile operator’s marketing team. While there she helped launch entertainment venue The O2 in London and loyalty programmes Priority Tickets and Priority Moments, as well the mobile operator’s most recent brand campaign, Be More Dog.

She will start at Harvey Nichols on 9 June and join the management board, reporting to group chief executive Stacey Cartwright. Her remit will include brand development, advertising and marketing, as well as global responsibility for the look and feel of the brand.

Halliwell says: “I have been a huge fan of Harvey Nichols for the past 20 years – the heritage of the brand and everything it represents in the luxury retail market. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to further develop its future in the UK and internationally.”

Harvey Nichols is also bringing Barclays’ Retail Businesses’ former communications director Emma Byrne on board as group communications director. She will be responsible for all internal and external communications when she joins on 28 April.

The restructure follows the resignation of group press and marketing director Julia Bowe after 16 years at Harvey Nichols. That led to a review of the marketing and press departments, with the decision taken to separate the two divisions.

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