Anthony Thompson, CEO of Fat Face - Drapers
“You can look to have fun in whatever you do. Why choose the boring way of doing it, when you can choose the interesting way. ” Outlining his approach to retail over coffee and a chocolate brownie, Fat Face boss of six years Anthony Thompson perfectly sums up his leadership style. His favourite thing is touring the UK and Ireland, visiting his 216 stores in George, a 1965 split-screen, right-hand drive camper van, or Jerry, a 1991 Jaguar XJS. And, rather than the more routine Fat Face headquarters in Havant, Hampshire, his preferred meetings are held on the beach or in parks near his more rural locations. Looking every inch the Fat Face ambassador at the Westfield London flagship - wearing flip-flops, jeans and a blue polo shirt - Thompson, a former Marks & Spencer and George at Asda executive (see box, right), is confident that Fat Face’s US... Thompson hopes to have two by Christmas, and a third before the end of the financial year in May. The stores will be slightly smaller than in the UK and Ireland, with a “holiday destination” shop typically around 1,000 sq ft rather than 1,200 to 1,500 sq ft, but they will have flexibility to grow. Source: www.drapersonline.com
