Stephen Paris appointed Independent NED at Hudson Holdings

Stephen Paris, a highly experienced accountant and auditor, has been appointed an Independent Non-Executive Director (NED) at Hudson Holdings, where he will take on a role in its Audit Committee.

Mr Paris, the company said in a company announcement, brings with him a distinguished career spanning over 30 years at Deloitte Malta, where he was admitted as a partner in 2000.

During his tenure, Mr Paris held several key leadership roles, including Head of Audit, Financial Services Industry Leader and Head of Risk and Regulatory Advisory.

Mr Paris presently also holds a directorship in AX Real Estate plc, Harvest Technology plc, and St Anthony Co. plc.

The move follows the resignation of George Amato and Kevin Valenzia from their roles as Directors of the company. Mr Amato held the role of Executive Director, while Mr Valenzia held the role of Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Hudson Holdings thanked Mr Amato and Mr Valenzia for their “valuable contributions, dedication and service” during their respective tenures.

“Their leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the group’s strategic direction and growth over the years,” it said.

The shake-up follows the acquisition by the UK-based Frasers Group of a non-controlling interest in the group.

Frasers Group is a British company best known for its Sports Direct and House of Fraser retail concepts, while Hudson Holdings is the company behind the popular Urban Jungle chain of sportswear retailers, as well as Urban Bratz and Hudson Store.

It is also the representative of sports brands like NIKE, Converse, Timberland, New Era, Intersport, and of fast fashion and designer brands like Armani Exchange, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Kiabi.

Hudson Holdings is one the leading fashion retailers in Malta, and is also active in the European and North African markets. It is also the official distributor for NIKE in over 29 countries, according to its website.

The acquisition of a significant shareholding by Frasers Group, led by billionaire Mike Ashley, follows the conclusion of an agreement between the two firms in October 2024.

The agreement contemplates the possibility of additional staggered acquisitions by Frasers Group in the capital of Hudson Holdings Limited at future dates, potentially leading Frasers Group to holding a controlling interest in the Maltese company.