Kathmandu has announced the appointment of Christine Cross as non-executive independent director.

Cross has extensive experience in the international retail and consumer goods sector. Her retail executive career was with Tesco where she was variously responsible for Own Brand development, establishment of the global sourcing function and finally business development focussed on international and small format expansion.

After retiring from Tesco in 2003 Cross now runs a retail advisory consultancy. She is on the Advisory Board of Apax Partners Venture Capital & Private Equity and of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, and is also chief retail and consumer advisor to Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP.

Chairman James Strong said Cross’ expertise would be invaluable as Kathmandu furthered the development of its global strategy, focussed initially on the realignment of its UK business and accelerated online sales growth via both Kathmandu’s own platform and global marketplace websites.

Cross is also currently a non-executive director of Woolworths, UK retailer Next, Portugal’s grocery retailer Sonae Group and a gardern centre group in Scandinavia Plantasgen.

“Her appointment further enhances the skillset of the Board as it seeks to establish
Kathmandu as a significant global presence in the outdoor travel and adventure market,” he said.