Harvey Nichols has announced the appointment of Kate Benson as Chief Merchant, effective immediately. Benson joins the luxury retailer after seven years at YNAP, where she most recently served as Buying Director at Net-a-Porter.
Renowned for her leadership and expertise in luxury fashion, Benson has developed and executed elevated product strategies during her career. Her strong relationships with luxury brands have seen her collaborate on special projects with names such as Chloe, Alaïa, Khaite, Gabriela Hearst, and Tom Ford.
Julia Goddard, Chief Executive Officer of Harvey Nichols, welcomed Benson to the team, stating:
“Kate’s deep understanding of the global luxury and fashion market makes her a respected leader to further evolve our buying strategy at Harvey Nichols. Her expertise built through previous senior roles will be instrumental in enhancing the customer experience and driving the growth of the business. We are thrilled to welcome her at a pivotal time in the luxury and fashion space.”
In her new role, Benson will be tasked with shaping Harvey Nichols’ buying strategy to align with the company’s growth and innovation goals, while fostering partnerships and delivering tailored customer experiences.
Commenting on her appointment, Kate Benson said:
“Joining Harvey Nichols Leadership Team at such an exciting time is a fantastic opportunity. With the brand’s vision for growth and innovation, I’m eager to contribute my experience to shape the business’ buying strategy, build strong partnerships and deliver exceptional customer experiences.”
Benson’s appointment comes as Harvey Nichols continues to focus on enhancing its luxury offerings and reinforcing its position as a leader in high-end retail.