Matalan names new head of buying for childrenswear

British department store Matalan has named Ruth Golightly as its new head of buying for its childrenswear department.

While Golightly first took up the position in September, the news has now been confirmed by Matalan to the media.

Golightly announced her appointment on LinkedIn, where, in response to the announcement of a new CEO for the retailer made last week, she said her “first month has been incredible”.

Golightly joined Matalan from Blues Group, where she had been serving as senior director, design, sales and licensing for just over three years.

This came after being with George at Asda, the brand of the supermarket giant, for 16 years.

During this time, Golightly had held roles of increasing responsibility, eventually stepping into her most recent position of head of womenswear, clothing, footwear, accessories and swimwear for buying and design.

Golightly started her career within this sector at Next, where she had been a fashion buyer for nine years, starting in 1997.