Secret Sales names new CTO to accelerate technological advancements

Premium non-full price marketplace for fashion, sportswear and beauty brands Secret Sales has named former Ted Baker director Leon Shepherd as its new Chief Technology Officer.

The appointment comes as the company prepares to "invest heavily in its technology offerings in line with its aggressive global growth agenda".

Shepherd joins Secret Sales from Ted Baker, where he served as Chief Information Officer and Digital Strategy Director. Prior to this, he held various roles at Jack Wills, FatFace, Marks & Spencer and Vodafone.

As CTO of Secret Sales, Shepherd will be responsible for enhancing the company’s integrated technology stack to deliver a "seamless next-generation marketplace platform for brands, retailers and consumers".

He will advance the company’s use of "industry-leading" technology, including making the most of its dynamic forecasting tools to help brands accelerate the sales and margins from their seasonal surplus stock.

The role will also see Shepherd lead the implementation of Secret Sales’ new website, using Progressive Web App (PWA) technologies. This will allow online and offline navigation by storing parts of the data displayed in the site, delivering "vastly enhanced user experience that is several times faster than most platforms".

Chris Griffin, CEO of Secret Sales, said: “Technology is at the heart of what we do and plays a critical role in driving efficiencies and profitability for brands and retailers on our marketplace.

"So, we’re really pleased to have Leon here, taking the next step in his career with us, and accelerating our technology investment.

"Leon’s worked in almost every kind of role in tech, and with some of the biggest in the business, and his unique perspective on the industry will be invaluable as we continue to make huge leaps both in the UK and internationally.”