Tech-savvy Mothercare boss quits

Mothercare chief executive Simon Calver has resigned, the company has announced.

Calver, who was previously the head of the online movie rental service LoveFilm, joined Mothercare as chief executive two years ago due to his experience in multi-channel retail.

During his time at the baby equipment, clothing and toys retailer, Calver helped to implement the company’s transformation and growth plan by increasing its online offering and improving customer service.

"In particular, Simon Calver's e-commerce expertise has allowed Mothercare to accelerate its development as a multi-channel retailer in the UK,” said Mothercare chairman Alan Parker in a statement.

"Mothercare has a strong executive management team which is very capable of running the business in the interim while the search for a new CEO is underway," he added.

The reason for Calver’s resignation is unknown, but comes weeks after the company released a profit warning following poor Christmas sales. Yet the board “remains confident” and expects its next set of financial results for the year ending March 2014 to be “in line with current market forecasts”.

A statement from the board said: “Mothercare’s strategy is to restore profitability in the UK business to complement the strong and growing international operations.”

Mothercare recently embarked on a restructuring programme, which has seen the closure of many stores.

Calver will provide transitional support until he leaves the company at the end of March this year.