Johannesburg, 29 July 2025 — Cotton On, a leading retail powerhouse in fashion and lifestyle sectors, has appointed Lesley-Anne Dean as Country Manager for South Africa, effective immediately. This internal promotion reflects the company’s focus on nurturing leadership from within, signaling strategic continuity amid a period of record-breaking business performance.

Dean brings over 20 years of high-caliber retail leadership, having shaped significant growth trajectories at Clicks, Nike, Superbalist.com, and The Foschini Group. Her track record is marked by building high-performing teams and embedding a strong sense of purpose and innovation into operations—elements critical to navigating the increasingly complex South African retail landscape.

At a time when the retail sector grapples with economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviors, Dean's appointment is a deliberate move by Cotton On to align business objectives with social impact. The brand operates more than 135 stores across five distinct labels and maintains a rapidly growing e-commerce presence, underscoring its commitment to omnichannel engagement.

Dean’s leadership philosophy, centred on people and purpose, dovetails with Cotton On’s significant investment in community upliftment. The Cotton On Foundation has channelled over R100 million into South African literacy and school transformation initiatives, impacting over 200,000 youth globally through education and health programs. This strategic integration of corporate social responsibility reflects a broader global trend where brands leverage social capital as a differentiator in competitive markets.

In her own words, Dean describes the role as an opportunity to set a progressive retail agenda in South Africa—one that is inclusive, purpose-led, and driven by the energy of young South Africans. This vision aligns with broader calls for business leadership that transcends profit motives to address socio-economic challenges.

Michael Hardwick, Group CFO, highlights Dean’s strategic clarity and customer insight as pivotal for scaling Cotton On’s bold growth ambitions while staying true to foundational values.

However, while the appointment signals progress, it invites scrutiny: How effectively will Cotton On balance aggressive commercial growth with sustainable, inclusive development? Can Dean’s leadership truly catalyse systemic change within a sector often criticised for supply chain exploitation and environmental impact?

As the retail sector adapts to new economic realities and increasing calls for corporate accountability, Dean’s leadership will be a critical case study in purpose-driven management in South Africa.

For further details on Cotton On’s offerings and initiatives, visit cottonon.com/ZA and follow their social media presence at Cotton On Africa on Instagram.

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*Currency in South African Rands (ZAR)