Sports Direct owner Frasers Group has recently made headlines by appointing David Al-Mudallal, the boyfriend of Mike Ashley's youngest daughter, to its board of directors.
According to The Guardian, Al-Mudallal, aged 31, who previously worked at Sports Direct, serves as Frasers's chief operating officer. His appointment has sparked interest as it adds to the familial ties within the company, with another director, Michael Murray, being married to Ashley's other daughter.
Despite questions surrounding potential conflicts of interest, Frasers maintains that Al-Mudallal's appointment was based solely on his professional merit and successful track record in business. It is laughable to suggest the business would promote figures who were anything other than extremely qualified to do their job well," said Frasers to the Times.
The group also stressed that they did not violate any regulations by not disclosing Matilda Ashley's romantic relationship with David Al-Mudallal. The company asserts that it prioritizes governance and ensures adherence to rules and standards.
This move comes amidst ongoing scrutiny over Frasers' business practices, including its recent acquisition of Double Take, a beauty business owned by Matilda Ashley, without shareholder notification.
Al-Mudallal has yet to respond to requests for comment on his newly-appointed role.
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