LONDON – Paul Smith has named retail veteran Ewan Venters to the new role of executive chairman, effective Oct. 1.

Venters has been serving as non-executive director of Paul Smith since February, and was most recently chief executive of the art gallery Hauser & Wirth.  

Prior to Hauser & Wirth, he was chief executive of Fortnum & Mason, where, over a period of eight years, he oversaw the transformation of the brand and a growth surge in the business. He has also held leadership roles at retailers including Selfridges.

“I’m delighted to welcome Ewan to the team on the cusp of celebrating our 55th anniversary,” Smith said. “In his time at Paul Smith as a non-executive director, Ewan has brought boundless energy and a welcome perspective to help propel us into our next chapter. I’m very excited to continue working together.”

Venters described Paul Smith as “one of Britain’s most enduring, captivating and beloved brands. I have known and admired Sir Paul for some time, and I regard it as a great privilege to work alongside one of Britain’s greatest living designers and entrepreneurs.”

In an interview, Venters said he’s eager to help write a new chapter for the business, and to work with a brand that has an impact that goes far beyond fashion, into culture, community and British history.

“There are jobs – and then there are jobs like these. Paul Smith is a business, a brand, an iconic designer – and it’s also part of British history,” said Venters. Going forward, Venters plans to “work side-by-side with Paul on expanding, developing and running the business.”

Venters will remain in other positions, including as chair of the private sector council of the Great campaign, which seeks to enhance the U.K.’s business reputation overseas. He was awarded an OBE in 2024 in the King’s Honors List in 2024 for services to international trade.