Retail industry veteran Paula Clarke is to step down as chief executive officer of Gibbons Company after more than two decades in the role.

Ms Clarke, who became CEO in 1998, said: “I plan to retire from Gibbons Company on July 1 this year, I will however remain on the board of directors of Gibbons Company and going forward work on special projects. Before I leave I will work in close association with my successor to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.”

She added: “All retail professionals worth their weight know and understand that retail is an all-consuming industry, six or seven days a week year-round is the norm. It requires a very high level of energy, creativity, innovation, vision, enthusiasm and drive.

“I have enjoyed a fabulous journey and have had the privilege to have worked with the very best people who I will miss interacting with on a daily basis. Gibbons Company as a multi-channel retailer is poised for growth, with exciting opportunities ahead.”

Ms Clarke joined Gibbons as CEO after more than 14 years on staff at Trimingham Brothers, where she was a fashion buyer and divisional merchandise manager.

The native of Galway, Ireland arrived in Bermuda in 1984 after spending more than five years working in London for high-end British retailer, Harvey Nichols.

Ms Clarke bought European collections and American collections and developed the private label fashion products under the HN Collections label.

She said the private label was sourced in London, Italy and Hong Kong.

Ms Clarke said she also provided the buying team with colour and fashion trend direction for the following year.

While she was based in London, Ms Clarke said she travelled extensively to Paris, Milan, Florence, Antwerp, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, New York and Hong Kong.

Prior to that, Ms Clarke worked as an assistant buyer, merchandise development for Argos Distributors in Edgware, Middlesex, England.

Ms Clarke is a former chair of the retail division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Bermuda chapters of the International Women’s Forum and the Institute of Directors.