Holli Rogers named Browns Chair as Brennan becomes MD

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Mar 22, 2021

Holli Rogers is moving on from her role as CEO of Browns as she focuses on the Chief Brand Officer post as its owner, Farfetch, which she took on in 2019.

But she’s not cutting ties with Brown as she’ll vacate the CEO’s post on April 1 but will step up at the same time to become its Chair.

She’ll be replaced as the executive in direct control of the business by Paul Brennan. He’s currently COO of Browns and next month becomes MD, a newly-created post.

The company said he’ll be “running all of the day to day operations while continuing to reinforce the iconic reputation of Browns as a fashion institution and translating the brands vision to be the luxury shopping experience of the future”.

Brennan, who’s been with the company since 2017, should be a strong replacement. He’s “a luxury and e-commerce authority with over 20 years of experience”.

Browns said that Rogers has overseen a number of key initiatives for the retailer, while ensuring continuous growth. These include the Browns rebrand in 2016, the launch of Browns East in 2017, celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary in October 2020, the continued support of new talent with BFC partnerships, and company initiatives such as upfront payment for young designers, and the recent development and launch of the new flagship store, Browns Brook Street. This is due to open shortly after having been delayed by UK lockdowns. 

“Holli played a critical role in bringing together the pioneering spirit of Browns coupled with the tech innovation connected by Farfetch”, the company said. 

Her new role as Chair means she’ll be able to “provide guidance on the strategic and creative direction of Browns while focusing on the Farfetch brand”.