Matalan has announced the appointment of Henrik Nordvall as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the role commencing in February 2026.
Henrik Nordvall brings over 17 years of apparel retail experience from his tenure at H&M, where he held various leadership positions across multiple international markets. Most recently, he served as Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, the brand’s third-largest market, overseeing revenues totalling $1.5 billion.
Karl-Heinz Holland, who took on the role of Executive Chair in October 2024, will return to his position as Chair of the Board in February 2026 upon Henrik’s arrival.
The leadership change follows a strong first-half financial performance for Matalan. In the six months ending 30 August 2025, the company reported a 69% increase in pre-IFRS16 EBITDA to £34 million. The performance was supported by margin improvements and disciplined cost management. Matalan’s store refresh initiative continues to yield results, with upgraded locations outperforming the rest of the estate by 14%.
The retailer has also made recent additions to its leadership team as it advances strategic plans to reinforce its brand proposition around everyday style, quality and value. The company continues to target further progress in enhancing both its physical retail presence and broader customer offering.
Henrik Nordvall, incoming CEO of Matalan, commented: “I am thrilled to join Matalan as the new CEO from February 2026. Matalan is on a very exciting journey on delivering everyday style, quality and value to their customers and I am excited to start contributing to the business. Together with the executive team, the Board and the whole Matalan team, I look forward to taking the company into the future.”
Karl-Heinz Holland, Executive Chair of Matalan, commented: “I am absolutely delighted that Henrik is joining Matalan at this exciting stage of our transformation. In Henrik, we have an individual with significant UK, apparel retail experience, coupled with proven CEO leadership experience to continue Matalan’s strategic delivery. I have no doubt that he will add huge value across all areas of the business, complementing the experienced Executive and leadership team. I would like to take this time to thank the Executive team for their valuable contribution and commitment over the last 12 months whilst we have been concluding our search.”
