River Island poaches managing director from Topman

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 24, 2018

River Island has announced that Philip Cooke will be joining the business as managing director of menswear and kidswear.

Cooke was most recently managing director at River Island menswear rival Topman. He joined Arcadia in 2005 as head of buying at Topman, and was promoted to buying director in 2009. Cooke took up the role of managing director of the high street men’s chain in September 2015.

A spokesperson for River Island confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, adding that Cooke will be joining the business this spring.

River Island has recently boosted its men’s offering with the launch of a collaboration with streetwear brand Blood Brother. Available exclusively in River Island stores and online, the men’s collection features utilitarian details and directional prints.