What: Harvey Nichols appoints Lucy McPhail, former Space NK and Liberty executive, as beauty director, replacing Clare Horner as part of its ongoing transformation strategy.

Why it is important: This strategic hire aligns with Harvey Nichols' broader transformation initiative, bringing specialised beauty expertise to complement recent leadership appointments in merchandising and creative direction.

Harvey Nichols has announced the appointment of Lucy McPhail as its new beauty director, effective immediately, replacing Clare Horner who departs after more than four years with the British department store chain. McPhail joins from her current role as executive buying and merchandising director, bringing extensive industry expertise from previous senior positions at Space NK, Threads Styling, Liberty, and Harrods. The appointment aligns with Harvey Nichols' broader transformation strategy and renewed focus on its core fashion and beauty edit. CEO Julia Goddard emphasised McPhail's exceptional qualifications to lead the evolution of the beauty division, citing her extensive industry expertise. This change follows other significant leadership appointments, including Net-A-Porter buying director Kate Benson as chief merchant and Kate Phelan as creative director, demonstrating the company's commitment to strengthening its leadership team with experienced industry professionals.

IADS Notes: Lucy McPhail's appointment as beauty director at Harvey Nichols in June 2025 represents the latest step in the retailer's comprehensive transformation strategy. This change follows several significant leadership appointments under CEO Julia Goddard, who joined in June 2024, including Net-A-Porter veteran Katie Benson as chief merchant and Kate Phelan as creative director. The strategic focus on beauty aligns with the company's broader restructuring efforts, which have included implementing a centralised platform for enhanced customer experience in December 2024 and the closure of the Liverpool Beauty Bazaar in March 2025. McPhail's extensive industry experience, particularly at Space NK, Liberty, and Harrods, complements the company's renewed emphasis on core fashion and beauty offerings, even as it placed 70 jobs under consultation in May 2025 as part of its strategic pivot. This appointment demonstrates Harvey Nichols' continued commitment to strengthening its market position through experienced leadership while streamlining operations to focus on key categories.

Harvey Nichols appoints new beauty director