Ted Baker has announced the appointment of John Barton as non-executive Chairman of the Board. John will join the Board in July after having held senior non-executive positions across a number of leading consumer-facing businesses. He is currently Chairman of easyJet plc, having been appointed in 2013. 

John has previously served as Chairman of Next plc and Cable and Wireless Worldwide plc and was also previously Senior Independent Director of both WH Smith plc and SSP Group plc. John will take over from Sharon Baylay who will continue in her role as Acting Chair until he formally joins the Board in July. 

About his appointment, John has said: "It is an honour to be appointed Chairman of this iconic British brand at such a critical time and I would like to extend my huge thanks to Sharon for leading the Board in the interim period.

"These are unprecedented times, and while I do not underestimate the significant challenges ahead of us, Ted Baker has strong foundations from which to build: a refreshed and committed leadership team, fronted by Rachel Osborne; dedicated and loyal colleagues; a strong brand which resonates with customers; diversified income streams and a well-invested, omni-channel platform."