Blue Diamond has appointed Patricia Alford-Burnett, the former CEO of The White Company, as a non-executive director.

Patricia has served as the CEO of both public and privately owned companies. She is an experienced multi-channel retailer.

Most recently she was CEO of The White Company for 6 years and prior to that served as CEO of ILLUM, aprestigious Danish department store operator, and UK fashion retailers Jaeger and Wallis.

She is currently a retail consultant and adviser, mentoring CEOs and their senior teams. Patricia is an expert at building commercial brands, using coaching skills to motivate and develop teams to support growth. She embraces design, new technology and innovation.

Chairman Simon Burke commented: “Patricia will bring many qualities to our Board, but I am particularly looking forward to the perspective she will bring on our female customer, along with her insights into brand, marketing, online, people and culture.

“I am very happy to see a greater diversity in our Board and am confident that she will contribute significantly to the ongoing success of the company.”