Former River Island boss appointed as Neptune chair

The former chief executive of River Island has been appointed as chair of interiors retailer Neptune.

Will Kernan led River Island for three years before departing in April. He also previously headed up sportswear group Wiggle Chain Reaction Group and was formerly chief executive of The White Company.

He is also currently the chair of Biscuiteers.

In his role at Neptune, Kernan will work with chief executive Aalish Yorke-Long, who joined in November 2022.

Yorke-Long said: “We are thrilled that Will is bringing his skills as a retail leader to Neptune. His extensive knowledge of the luxury and retail sectors will provide invaluable support to our senior team as we build and execute our strategies to drive the brand forward at a very exciting time in its history.”

Since her appointment, Yorke-Long has made a number of senior leadership changes, bringing in commercial director Jamie Bennet, head of marketing Harry Melsom, and head of product Lauren Quelch Woolls.