Sign-up for alerts
Keep up to date with OSS
Where are they now?
Were you a delegate in 1988?
Mark Newton Jones attended in 1988 - look where he is now.
Mark Newton Jones is Chief Executive of Shop Direct Group
Mark’s career in retail began at Next where he spent 18 years working in various senior management roles, the last five years of which were as the Director responsible for the Next Directory. During Mark’s time at the helm, the Next Directory doubled in turnover and trebled its profits.
Mark moved to join Littlewoods Stores in 2003. He spent two years modernising and repositioning the Littlewoods high street business prior to divesting it from the Group. In 2005, he was appointed Group Chief Executive of the newly-formed Littlewoods Shop Direct Group, where he brought about the largest integration in Europe of two retail businesses, Littlewoods and Great Universal Stores. Renaming the business Shop Direct Group, Mark successfully completed the acquisition of Empire Stores in 2008. This was swiftly followed in 2009 by the purchase of the Woolworths brand, the launch of the Very brand, previously known as Littlewoods Direct, as well as the introduction of Littlewoods Europe. Initially launched in France, Germany, Portugal and Spain, the brand is now available in over 25 European countries.
The strong performance of these brands gave Mark the confidence in January 2011 to launch isme for the fashion-conscious mature customer.
We would love to hear from you and how your career has developed after attending the school.
Call 01295 713391
-
I applied for the Masters scholarship because I am responsible for more areas of the business now and felt I needed the skills to be able to step out and objectively review the business and gain the confidence to question how good we really are.
Lindsay Newton, Maureen Cookson -
The Masters opened my eyes to what the retail market will be like in the future, so I can prepare to meet my customers' needs.
Jim Luck, Luck of Louth -
Best self development I have 'engaged' with in a long time.
Helen Edwards, M&Co -
It has been a fantastic learning opportunity and I would encourage anyone wishing to widen their retail understanding and commerciality to attend.
Tracy Venner, John Lewis -
My own self belief has risen 100% - I can do more, I am a great manager.
Clare Wallace, The Disney Store
Latest News
Retail Week reports on new Foundation School
With a remit to nurture the fledgling careers of managers in retail, the Foundation School is the newest addition to the prestigous Oxford Summer School.
