Charles Denton appointed CEO as health and beauty retailer Bodycare preps return to UK high street
Bodycare has announced the appointment of Charles Denton as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman. Last year, the UK health and beauty retailer closed all its stores after collapsing into adminstration. Its brand and intellectual property were acquired out of administration in late 2025 by an investor group led by former The Body Shop and Molton Brown CEO Denton, and it is now aiming to open 25 UK stores in 2026, growing to 200 locations over the next five years.
Working alongside Managing Director David Stern and the leadership team he has assembled, Denton will lead the strategic direction of the business as Bodycare embarks on a programme of UK growth, international expansion and technology innovation.
His responsibilities will include driving the nationwide roll-out of Bodycare’s new generation of Studio Stores, with the aim of strengthening hyper-local community engagement, developing strategic partnerships with leading consumer brands, expanding the business internationally through franchise partnerships, and overseeing the development of Bodycare’s proprietary AI operating platform.
Denton says: “Bodycare represents a remarkable opportunity to redefine what value retail can become. Today’s customer is smarter than ever. They want exceptional value, but they also expect discovery, inspiration and experiences that make shopping enjoyable again.”
“Our ambition is to build a business around that smart customer. We’re creating stores that are destinations, places where people can discover exciting products, learn from experts, engage with their local community and enjoy an experience that goes far beyond simply buying health and beauty products. Retail is changing rapidly, and while technology will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role, we firmly believe the future belongs to businesses that successfully combine innovation with genuine human connection.”
Stern comments: “Charles shares our belief that Bodycare can become something far bigger than a traditional retailer. His experience of building brands, transforming businesses and creating long-term strategic value makes him the ideal person to help us lead Bodycare into its next chapter. Together with our exceptional team, we’re building a business designed to thrive for decades to come. We believe sustainable retail success lies in combining compelling value with memorable experiences, creating stores that educate, entertain and inspire while remaining deeply connected to the local communities they serve.”
Denton adds: “It’s a genuine privilege to help lead the next chapter of a brand that has meant so much to so many people for more than half a century. We have a responsibility to honour that legacy while building a modern, sustainable business that is fit for the future, for our customers, our colleagues, our brand partners and the communities we serve.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
