ASOS founder steps down as CEO

Nick Robertson, the founder of British online fashion retailer ASOS, has stepped down as chief executive after 15 years in which he transformed the internet minnow into a retail powerhouse with fans around the world.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Sep 2015, 09:39 BST
Nick Robertson in 2013, speaking at the Connected Business Conference in BarnsleyNick Robertson in 2013, speaking at the Connected Business Conference in Barnsley
Nick Robertson in 2013, speaking at the Connected Business Conference in Barnsley

ASOS, popular with Internet savvy twentysomethings and high-profile fans such as British singer Rita Ora and US First Lady Michelle Obama, said that Mr Robertson would remain at the firm as a non-executive director.

He will be replaced at the top by Nick Beighton, the company’s chief operating officer, with immediate effect. Mr Beighton joined ASOS in 2009 as chief financial officer, stepping up to the COO role last October.

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“I’d like to acknowledge Nick Robertson’s extraordinary achievement. His passion and vision have built a start-up into a world class company,” said ASOS chairman Brian McBride.

Until last year, when it issued three profit warnings due to currency swings and higher investment needs, ASOS, with Robertson the driving force, had been the success story of the British retail sector and a darling of the stock market.

Mr Robertson and Quentin Griffiths founded the-then As Seen On Screen in 2000 and floated the firm on London’s Alternative Investment Market at 20 pence in 2001.

ASOS had a tough 2014 when it was hurt by the negative impact of exchange rate movements and a fire at its main warehouse. However, its shares have risen 16 percent so far in 2015 as it has staged a recovery. Last month it raised its full-year profit guidance after a strong third quarter.

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