Ted Baker Chairman John Barton passed away at 77.

Ted Baker, a British fashion retailer, said on Monday that Chairman John Barton had died, and that Helena Feltham, a senior independent director, will take over as interim chairman with immediate effect.

The London-listed business did not explain the cause of Barton’s death in a brief statement, but did say it was unexpected. Barton, 77, joined Ted Baker from easyJet (LON: EZJ) in July of last year, as the fashion group’s management sought to turn things around after a succession of failures in 2019.

He was also chairman of rival apparel retailer Next Plc and a senior independent director at WH Smith and SSP Group in the past.

Ted Baker said last month that sales were rebounding as workplace and party attire regained popularity after pandemic restrictions were relaxed, but that the rate of recovery was still uncertain.

Ted Baker has also been striving to rebuild the company’s image since former CEO Ray Kelvin stepped down in 2019 amid allegations of misconduct.

Kelvin, who founded the firm in Glasgow, Scotland in 1988, has disputed the charges. There are 377 outlets and concessions in the company.

Story by : Norvisi Mawunyegah