
After 14 years Simon Davies (Director of Finance) leaves Harrods to a well-deserved retirement. We got some time with him before he goes to share his memories and experiences of working at Harrods.
How long have you worked at Harrods?
I have been at Harrods for 14 years, give or take which in many organisations is a lifetime. At Harrods however, given the length of some people’s service, I still sometimes feel like the new boy.
What has been my career journey?
Harrods for me is the final chapter in quite a diverse career in retail which actually started when I was 14. My local corner shop in Reading is where it all began, four hours on a Sunday afternoon for the princely wage of 25p her hour plus all the loose sweets I could eat! From there I worked stacking shelves in Sainsbury’s when I should have been studying for my O levels. I remember once doing a dance around a large trolley of Mother’s Pride bread trying to avoid being seen by my form teacher. Would you believe it, he came around the next day to talk to my mum! I put retail down for a few years firstly going to University to study Accountancy and Law (biggest mistake ever – too many economists who could tell you all about theory X and theory Y, but knew nothing about real life!) followed by 10 years in the Accounting and Management Consulting profession.
Then the bug got me again. I saw a job advert for a financial controller at the Dixons Stores Group. All those TVs, HiFi’s, computers and phones, yes, please. Rose through the ranks to become Finance Director of the UK electricals division (Dixons, Currys, and all of Southern Ireland). Fourteen is obviously my magic number because, after 14 years in a really tough sector of retail (specialist electrical retailers rapidly disappeared in the face of firstly Supermarkets then the internet), I got an offer I couldn’t refuse when Harrods came calling. Started as Deputy Finance Director in April 2007 and here I am retiring in 2021 as the chief bean counter, the big banana, or as some people know me, the Group Finance Director.
What makes Harrods a special place to work?
Being the most iconic and prestigious store in the world is a good starter for 10! But really, it’s all about the fantastic people who work here, who really make it a special place. It has been my pleasure to work with a fantastic bunch of people over the years, from the shop floor to the Board Room.
What will I miss the most about Harrods?
I think I will start with what I won’t miss, and that is the daily commute. One of the very few positives of the pandemic is my saving of 3-4 hours a day as I have been working from home this year. It’s been a bit of an intro to life in retirement. Who knew that people didn’t actually need to get up before 6 am every morning! So, what will I really miss? It’s the interaction with the people at Harrods; the daily challenges presented by a business always looking to move forward with new ideas and initiatives and the general fast pace of retail.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career here?
Be yourself. Don’t be afraid of being different. Always be passionate about your product or your subject matter expertise. It doesn’t matter if you are a sales associate or an accountant; be enthusiastic, take part and make a personal contribution. I have learned that if you try hard enough, for example, you can even make finance sound interesting! It should be a walk in the park for everyone else!
Who regularly puts a smile on your face at Harrods and why?
The last year has been a bit short of smiles given the pandemic, three lockdowns, and working from home since March 2020! However, the effort put in by everyone to keep our head above water and to get us ready to relaunch (three times!) in these unprecedented times, will be a lasting memory and bring a proud smile to my face.
And finally…
I would just like to take the chance to thank everybody I have known and worked with.
Find out more about Harrods Alumni, Forever Green & Gold here.
Let’s Stay in Touch
Anything is Possible
At Harrods, our mission is to make Anything Possible. The spirit of Anything is Possible and the equity of the Harrods brand is not purely released through how we advertise and market to our customers.
Moreover, it is rooted in the lived experience of our customers delivered every day by our colleagues.
Latest jobs
Salary
Location
Location
Hammersmith
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Customer Service
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
We are now looking for a Customer Service Advisor to join us here at Harrods as part of our Contact Centre team.About the RoleAs a Customer Service Advisor in the Contact Centre you will support our c
Reference
VAC- 22853
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Katie GavinJob managed by:
Katie GavinSalary
Location
Location
Knightsbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Sales Associate
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
Harrods is one of the world’s leading luxury department stores and we’re becoming a destination for top designers, and the most sought-after brands from around the globe. As a Sales Associate within o
Reference
VAC- 44317
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Jamie BradleyJob managed by:
Jamie BradleySalary
Location
Location
Knightsbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Distribution and Warehouse
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
We are looking for a Project Manager who will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered within agreed time, cost and quality parameters keeping health and safety equal or better to all other
Reference
VAC- 41736
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Ellen FieldJob managed by:
Ellen FieldSalary
Location
Location
Hammersmith
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Buying and Merchandising
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
We are seeking a highly creative and driven Senior Designer to join our Harrods Own Label team. This role focuses on the research, design and delivery of innovative collections of Accessories and Gift
Reference
VAC- 40487
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Laura StainsbyJob managed by:
Laura StainsbySalary
Location
Location
Knightsbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Retail Operations
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
We are currently looking for a Transaction Services Assistant Manager who will lead the High Value Cash Associates and Transaction Services Assistants to deliver exceptional service to the retail and
Reference
VAC- 43599
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Unnati GandhiJob managed by:
Unnati GandhiSalary
Location
Location
Knightsbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Security
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
Our Security Team is looking for Uniformed Security Officers to join their diverse and experienced team. The Uniformed Security Officers are responsible for preventing and detecting offences against s
Reference
VAC- 22849
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Unnati GandhiJob managed by:
Unnati GandhiSalary
Location
Location
Knightsbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Back of House
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
We are now looking for a Demi Chef de Partie who loves being right at the heart of the action to join our wonderful Bakery team. Our Bakers are an integral part of our Pastry kitchen. They ensure that
Reference
VAC- 44835
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Nicola BurgessJob managed by:
Nicola BurgessSalary
Location
Location
Knightsbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Personal Shopping
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
We have the opportunity for a Lifestyle Concierge Assistant to join our amazing Private Shopping Department. At Harrods Private Shopping, we invite you to be a part of a world beyond the ordinary as w
Reference
VAC- 44963
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Etienne HaywardJob managed by:
Etienne HaywardSalary
Location
Location
Knightsbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Sales Associate
Contract Type
Fixed Term
Description
Our Harrods Hair & Beauty Salon team are now looking for a Salon Support to join the team. The Salon Support role will be responsible for assisting with the upkeep of the salon, dealing with clients,
Reference
VAC- 43732
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Katie GavinJob managed by:
Katie GavinSalary
Location
Location
Knightsbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Sector
Buying and Merchandising
Contract Type
Permanent
Description
Our Merchandising team are now looking for a Merchandise Admin Assistant to join them here at Harrods. We are recruiting for a range of category's - Fashion, Beauty, Home, Toys and Technology.About th
Reference
VAC- 42143
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Job managed by:
Laura StainsbyJob managed by:
Laura StainsbyDiscover more about us

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
NewsPublish date
03/20/2025
Summary
2025 Women to Watch in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure & Retail Index. We are delighted to share that Lindsay Calderwood, Head of Digital Brand Partnerships, has been recognised in the Wi

Teaser
Belonging & InclusionContent Type
Career StoriesPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
For #InternationalWomensDay this year, we’re shining a spotlight on colleagues across Harrods. We’ve asked them to share their achievements, proud moments, and the diverse roles they hold

Teaser
Belonging & InclusionContent Type
Career StoriesPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
"Hello, my name is Luboslava Sevcikova, and I am a Uniformed Security Officer at Harrods. My journey began in July 2009, when I started working in Childrenswear. Over a year ago, I made th

Teaser
H beautyContent Type
Career StoriesPublish date
02/26/2025
Summary
Meet Nicola, the General Store Manager for our new H beauty in Silverburn, Glasgow. Hear about her journey in the beauty retail industry and what excites her most about leading our newest

Teaser
H beautyContent Type
Career StoriesPublish date
02/26/2025
Summary
Welcome to H beauty. Whether it’s finding the perfect red lipstick or sharing skincare secrets, we believe that beauty is about more than what’s on the shelves; it’s about the connections

Teaser
Early CareersContent Type
EventsPublish date
02/20/2025
Summary
This year, we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week 2025 by bringing together our talented apprentices and leaders for a series of inspiring learning and networking events. From gaining
Teaser
RetailContent Type
Career StoriesPublish date
02/17/2025
Summary
This week, we caught up with Alex Campos, Personal Shopper at Harrods. When Alex arrived to talk to us, he was effortlessly juggling an armful of dresses and bags of Jimmy Choo heels, handpicked

Teaser
Only at HarrodsContent Type
EventsPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
"The Harrods Awards for Excellence is the most coveted recognition at Harrods, a true testament of dedication, passion, and exceptional performance. This year, we had 9 categories, 43 shor

Teaser
Only at HarrodsContent Type
Career StoriesPublish date
01/23/2025
Summary
Last year, Gaelle, the Restaurant Manager of Harrods Tea Rooms in Shanghai, visited The Georgian in Knightsbridge to immerse herself in the tradition of our iconic afternoon tea. During he

Teaser
Only at HarrodsContent Type
NewsPublish date
01/23/2025
Summary
The Harrods Awards for Excellence (HAFE) celebrate the outstanding talent, dedication, and achievements of our colleagues across the business. In this special video, six previous winners s
Recently viewed jobs