Next fills marketing chief vacancy

Next, the high street fashion retailer, has promoted Christine Gerrard to marketing director.

Gerrard, the company’s head of public relations, replaces Sue Myatt, who retired in January after 25 years. She will be responsible for all marketing, including in-store work and promotions, across the 470-strong portfolio. She will also be involved in developing store format design.

Gerrard started at the Leicester-based retailer 20 years ago and spent eight years as a buyer before taking over the running of the PR department, a position she held for 11 years.

One of Gerrard’s first changes has been to appoint Simon Taylor to the newlycreated post of head of visual merchandising. Taylor was previously the visual merchandising manager and will now report to Gerrard. A replacement is being sought for his vacant manager’s position.

The changes to the marketing department come as the retailer faces tough competition on the high street. In May last year, Next ran its first advertising campaign in nine years, including press and outdoor ads in November and a spring campaign in fashion supplements last month.

Last week Next shot its online catwalk show featuring the model Yasmin Le Bon at a studio in London. It is the third show Next has produced for its online customers since October last year and will be launched on the website towards the end of the month.