Bermudian Tony Thompson has been appointed the next chief executive officer of Gibbons Company.

The organisation said Mr Thompson will take over the roles and responsibilities as CEO when retail industry veteran Paula Clarke retires on July 1.

David Gibbons, chairman of Gibbons Company, said: “The board and the Gibbons family are very proud that Tony, a man born and raised in Bermuda, will be filling this important role, bringing in fresh ideas and a unique perspective to the post as CEO. Tony will be joining a rich legacy of CEO’s and managing directors who have guided Gibbons Company through its 105 year history.”

He added: “Tony has a wealth of experience beginning as an assistant buyer at Trimingham Brothers, followed by a stint working with Bermuda Microsystems Group before joining Gibbons Company in 2006.

“From then, there has been no looking back. His career development has continued as he has honed his skills with impressive achievements, results and a proven track record in buying, planning, visual merchandising, web development and management.”

The company said Mr Thompson will be follow in the footsteps of Ms Clarke, who has led Gibbons Company through some of its most successful years as well as some of the most challenging, including a recession and the Covid-19 shutdown.

Mr Gibbons said: “The Gibbons family and board of directors have been most grateful for Paula’s leadership, commitment, initiative and loyalty during her time in charge.

“We are thankful for her guidance during these unprecedented times and are extremely grateful that Paula has agreed to stay on as a board member.”

Last October, Ms Clarke announced her plan to retire as CEO on her natural retirement date of July 1.

She said: “It has been a tremendous honour to work for the Gibbons family. Through the years they have provided their unfailing support and guidance that has allowed us as a company and as individuals to grow and flourish.

“It has also been a privilege to work alongside Gibbons’ dedicated staff. I wake up excited every day to come to work to engage with my colleagues as we creatively work together to serve the community we love, by bringing the best in style and value. I love this company and am proud of our achievements.”

Ms Clarke said the company has carefully navigated many challenges, economic upturns, downturns, hurricanes, viruses and much more since she became CEO in 1998. Through it all, Gibbons Company has grown its presence in the community – becoming the island’s largest fashion retailer meeting the lifestyle needs for residents of all ages, she explained.

Over the last eight months, the company said Ms Clarke has paid significant attention to transitioning the leadership teams to ensure a smooth and seamless handover of responsibilities.

She said: “The Gibbons Company is well positioned for growth opportunities as an Omni-Channel retailer, with our digital direct-to-customers daily communication through customer relationship management and social media, our excellent vendor partnerships, and product development capabilities.”

The company said Mr Thompson has played a key role in the digitisation of Gibbons Company – from conceptualising and coordinating the launch of shop.gibbons.bm, the store’s first dynamic website offering – to managing the implementation of new technologies and service platforms such as special orders, e-registries and app development.