Secret Sales hires former ASOS exec as head of trading

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Nov 17, 2021

Secret Sales continues to build on its impressive management team, appointing Peter Coombes, former senior merchandiser at ASOS, as head of trading. He will report to its new chief trading officer Shahnila Rashid.

 
The premium e-commerce fashion and lifestyle retailer said the hire is the latest in an ongoing management recruitment drive for its fast-growing business that saw six new “star” senior exec appointments, announced last month.

Coombes will lead the category trading team, "developing organisational capability and commercial strategies to maximise merchandise value for over 900 fashion, beauty and homeware brands selling non full-price stock on the site”. 

He previously spent six years at ASOS, “transforming its outlet division into an optimised off-price business”. During his tenure, Coombes led the menswear and womenswear merchandising teams, "overseeing significant growth and creating one of the largest businesses within the company in terms of revenue, SKU count and team members”.

Coombes began his career as merchandiser at TK Maxx and Homesense, spending nine years “finessing off-price principles” across all product ranges from kitchenware to luggage and accessories. In addition to leading and developing a large team, he also helped launch a successful jewellery business within the retail group.

“Secret Sales’ model of helping brands profitably trade non-full-price stock is disruptive and forward-thinking,” said Coombes. “I am keen to use my off-price and e-commerce background to help deliver a fantastic experience for our customers, brands and retail partners.”

Chris Griffin, CEO of Secret Sales, added: “Peter understands how we’re changing the fashion industry with our brand-enhancing discount marketplace model and why it is so appealing to brands and retailers. His expertise in non-full-price merchandising at a senior level will advance our trading capabilities and bring huge benefits to our brand partners.”