Irish textile retailer Primark has appointed Sylvain Darracq as managing director for the French market. He will officially take over the post on October 1st and will previously go through a four-month transition phase alongside current France boss Christine Loizy. Loizy is retiring after 13 years at the helm of the French subsidiary.
Darracq has over 25 years of retail experience. He has worked for the Intersport Group since 2012, where he held various management positions. From 2022 until last year, he managed the trading association’s business in France and Belgium.
“Joining Primark France is an opportunity that I approach with genuine enthusiasm,” Darracq said in a statement. He also highlighted the ethical component of the fast fashion retailer: “I am convinced of the need to create fashion that is more responsible, inclusive and accessible to all. I am therefore particularly pleased to become part of a company that meets the current needs of consumers while embodying purpose and ambition in a changing industry,” said Darracq.
In his future role, Darracq will be tasked with strengthening Primark’s presence in France and driving growth. These goals are in line with the company’s expansion strategy in other European markets. Several new openings are currently planned in Italy as well as investments in Portugal and Spain.
In France, Primark currently operates 30 stores and employs almost 7,000 people. The company reiterated that France “is a strategic market for Primark, with numerous stores planned to open in the coming years.”