Pumpkin Patch boss heading to Mitre 10

Mitre 10 Mega in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser

Mitre 10 has appointed the departing head of Pumpkin Patch, Neil Cowie, as its new chief executive.

Cowie, who announced his resignation from Pumpkin Patch yesterday, will step into the new role at Mitre 10 in October.

Mitre 10 chairman Martin Dippie described Cowie as a "highly experienced retailer" who had been chosen following an extensive search.

John Hartmann stepped down as chief executive in February.

"Neil brings a thorough understanding of the New Zealand retail environment to the role as well as having an overlay of international experience that means he is current with international trends in a demanding sector," Dippie said.

"He has worked in a variety of roles with companies such as The Warehouse, Big W and Pumpkin Patch and has over 25-years' experience in New Zealand and International retail."

Cowie worked for The Warehouse on both sides of the Tasman from 1995 to 2004, before joining Big W for a two-year stint.

He led Michels Patisserie - a franchise group with over 340 stores across Australia - from 2006 to 2008, then returned to New Zealand to start at Pumpkin Patch.

He was promoted to the role of chief executive at the children's clothing retailer in 2011.

Cowie said he was looking forward to being part of a co-operative business with "a proud heritage and exciting future".

Working for Mitre 10 would bring a new set of challenges to his previous role and he aimed to continue pushing the business "through $1 billion of revenue".

"It's good to be coming into a business at a time when it is doing well and I'll be looking for opportunities to further that revenue growth," Cowie said.

"However, my first priority is to ensure business continues as usual across our network."

- NZ HERALD ONLINE