Harvey Nichols welcomes new Beauty Buying & Merchandising Director
Harvey Nichols has appointed Lucy McPhail as its new Beauty Buying & Merchandising Director, replacing Clare Horner, who has left the British retailer after four and a half years as Beauty Director.
McPhail brings experience from senior positions at Threads Styling, Liberty, and Harrods. She has also served as a Strategic Consultant to Space NK for two years.
In her new role, she will report directly to CEO Julia Goddard, who joined the business in April 2024.
"I am thrilled to be joining Harvey Nichols at this true point of evolution. There is such genuine excitement for a global reimagined department store experience," said McPhail.
The new appointment follows the confirmed departure of Horner, who joined Harvey Nichols as Beauty Director in January 2021, bringing experience from across the beauty and retail industries.
It comes as the luxury department store seeks to reclaim its former glory with plans to "transform" the UK-based business through a renewed focus on fashion, beauty, and hospitality.
Management recently proposed a restructuring that could involve discontinuing several "non-core" areas of the business, including the potential shutdown of its own-brand food products, hampers, corporate food services, and its online food marketplace.
It forms part of a three-year transformation plan focused on restoring the retailer's status as a "British icon", with the goal of reaffirming its place at the forefront of luxury retail.
"In line with our business’ broader transformation strategy and renewed focus on our core fashion and beauty edit, Lucy is exceptionally well placed to lead the evolution of our beauty division, and I look forward to working closely with her. We also extend our sincere thanks to Clare for her dedication and contribution to the business, and wish her every success in the future," said Goddard.
