If it was publicity online greeting card operator Moonpig was after then clinching Kate Swann as its new chairperson was a great way of doing it.
Business, retail and consumer media have swopped in on the news that the former WHS ceo has ‘Swann-ed’ in to share her vast expertise in retailing and consumer products.
As ceo of WHSmith, (a post she left in 2013 when she joined retail food specialist, SSP), Kate Swann delivered an impressive run of results for the varietal retailer, based on an expansion of its travel business as well as cutting costs and removal of low margin areas. She always recognised the importance of greeting cards and stationery for WHS, continually citing them as ‘core’ for the retail business not just for their profit contribution, but also for the footfall they generated.
This news comes two months after Moonpig (and its Dutch-based Greetz business that it acquired last Summer) was split from the Photobox business, making both sides autonomous.
The two cards and gifting businesses – Moonpig and Greetz – is led by ceo Nickyl Raithatha, while the photo personalisation brands – Photobox, Hofmann and posterXXL – are united under the leadership of Christian Woolfenden as ceo.
Moonpig recently reached £100 million in revenue after a decade of double digit growth and a record breaking Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day this year. The business recently opened a Manchester Tech Hub.
Following the amicable departure of Geoff Sanderson, Sarah-Jane Porter has extended her role to become Moonpig’s head of cards and licensing.
Top: Moonpig is now being run autonomously from Photobox.
