Retail Giant Primark Welcomes Lucy Slinger as CFO

Primark has appointed Lucy Slinger as Chief Financial Officer, bringing in senior finance experience from global retail and energy businesses as the company advances its international expansion and prepares to operate as a standalone entity.

Lucy joins from Ingka Group, the largest IKEA franchisee, where she served as Deputy CFO across a business spanning 32 countries.

Her appointment follows the recent hiring of Chief Commercial Officer Filip Ekvall and further builds out CEO Eoin Tonge’s leadership team at a pivotal point for the retailer.

Her career also includes more than two decades at Shell, where she held a series of senior finance roles across financial reporting, corporate finance, group planning and appraisal, and as CFO of the Global Aviation division. 

The breadth of this experience positions her to oversee Primark’s financial strategy as the business scales.

Strengthening financial leadership

Primark’s decision to appoint Slinger reflects a focus on strengthening financial governance and performance management as it grows across international markets. 

The retailer has been expanding its footprint in Europe and the US while navigating cost pressures and evolving consumer demand.

Eoin Tonge, CEO of Primark, says: “I’m delighted to welcome Lucy to Primark at such an important moment for the business. She brings deep financial expertise from large global organisations, alongside an impressive track record in disciplined investment and operational performance. 

“As we accelerate our growth strategy and prepare for a standalone future, her leadership will be invaluable. I look forward to working closely with her as we shape the next phase of Primark’s growth.”

Lucy is expected to play a central role in aligning financial planning with Primark’s long-term strategy, including capital allocation across supply chain investment and operational efficiency.

Experience across complex global operations

Her tenure at Ingka Group exposed her to large-scale retail operations and complex international supply chains, while her time at Shell provided grounding in capital-intensive environments and financial discipline. Together, these experiences are likely to inform Primark’s approach to balancing growth with cost control.

The retailer highlighted Slinger’s background in finance transformation and performance management as particularly relevant, as it continues to modernise systems and processes while maintaining tight control over margins in a value-driven retail model.

Supporting standalone transition

Primark is preparing to become a standalone business, a shift that places greater emphasis on robust financial structures, governance and reporting frameworks. Slinger's appointment comes at a time when establishing these capabilities is critical to ensuring operational independence and investor confidence.

Lucy Slinger, Incoming Chief Financial Officer of Primark, notes: “I am excited to be joining Primark at such a pivotal point in its journey. 

“Primark is a unique business with a strong growth ambition and distinctive customer proposition, built on making great fashion accessible while continuing to drive quality and sustainability. 

“I look forward to working with Eoin and colleagues across the business as Primark continues to grow internationally and invest for the future.”