Claire, who joins on 1 July, will report to CEO Anna Jones, and will be part of the senior leadership team, with responsibility for shaping and directing the financial strategy for the business. Her role incorporates the leadership of the financial, legal, production and facilities teams.
Claire is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years experience and most recently was Director of Finance at Brighthouse, the private equity owned, rent to own retailer. Previous roles include Regional Finance Director for Staples, the office supplies store, and Chief Financial Officer for Hobbycraft, the art, craft and baking retailer.
Claire is also a qualified barrister and a Non Executive Board member of a housing association.
Hearst Magazines UK’s CEO Anna Jones said: “We are delighted that Claire is joining the business. She has had lots of success in driving growth and profitability in the fast pace of the retail sector, and we think her skills and credentials are a great fit for Hearst. With her excellent leadership skills I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to the company.”
Claire Blunt, incoming Chief Financial Officer said: “I am excited about joining Hearst and taking on a role in a sector which is going through a significant and transformational shift. The responsibilities of the role will allow me to play to my strengths and I am looking forward to getting started.”
Claire replaces Peter Charles, who has been Interim Chief Financial at Hearst Magazines UK since December 2014.
