Watches of Switzerland appoints Floydd CFO as Romberg retires

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Aug 26, 2021

What a good time to join Watches of Switzerland. The high-flying UK-based but internationally-focused retail group has appointed William ‘Bill' Floydd as chief financial officer. His joining date has yet to be determined.

He will succeed Anders Romberg who has announced his retirement after seven years in the role. He will remain with the group as a director and CFO until a handover period has been completed.

Floydd will join from international gaming, leisure, and entertainment business The Rank Group where he has held the role of CFO since November 2018. Previously, he was CFO for Experian’s UK and Ireland region for over five years.

Brian Duffy, CEO, said: "I am delighted to welcome Bill as our incoming CFO and look forward to working with him when he joins us. He brings a wealth of senior financial expertise and leadership qualities, and the group will benefit greatly from his experience”.

Floydd joins at a time when Watches of Switzerland’s stock is riding high after thriving rather than simply surviving during the tough pandemic-hit retail landscape.

The retailer, which owns Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths stores, as well as operating luxury monobrand watch boutiques and its signature chain, said that both the UK and US have been performing strongly and that online sales have risen 15.9%.

In the three months to August 1, revenue rose to £297.5 million from £151.6 million. UK sales grew as much as 104.7%.