Coats
Fran Philip
Independent Non-Executive Director
| Non-Executive Director | Appointed 2016 |
| Committee membership | Nomination, Remuneration |
Key skills and experience
Fran brings extensive specialty retailing business experience, which she uses to provide the Board with an understanding of the end consumer’s motivations and insight into the US fashion market and its evolving trends and dynamics. Fran's particular interest in workforce dynamics stand her in good stead for her new role as the Designated Non-Executive Director to engage with the workforce.
Other current appointments
Fran is currently a Non-Executive Director of a number of US companies including Vera Bradley Inc., the accessories brand; Totes Isotoner, the accessories manufacturer; Regent Holding, a home décor designer and importer; and an industry executive for Freeman Spogli, a US private equity firm specializing in retail and consumer brands.
Previous relevant experience
Fran worked for several specialty chains such as The Gap, Williams-Sonoma and The Nature Company. She joined LL Bean in 1994 as Director of Product Development, Home Furnishings and went on to hold a number of roles including Vice President, Affiliated Brands, before becoming Chief Merchandising Officer in 2002 until she retired in 2011.
Qualifications
Fran has a degree in English and Sociology from Bowdoin College, Maine, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.