Sports Direct has appointed outsider Chris Rowley as its head of strategic communications . Now six months into the job , one of Rowley 's roles is managing investments Sport Direct has taken in other companies . There were no headhunters or job advertisements, but the well-spoken Mr Rowley, 30, had to attend plenty of interviews, several of which were with Mike Ashley himself, the former squash coach who has built Sports Direct from a single shop into a business It recently raised its stake in Debenhams to 29.7 % and is also negotiating with Findel over a commercial supply deal . As part of the talks with Findel , Rowley has struck a deal to observe its board to help facilitate the supply tie - up .
Sports Direct has appointed outsider Chris Rowley as its head of strategic communications . Now six months into the job , one of Rowley 's roles is managing investments Sport Direct has taken in other companies . It recently raised its stake in Debenhams to 29.7 % and is also negotiating with Findel over a commercial supply deal . As part of the talks with Findel , Rowley has struck a deal to observe its board to help facilitate the supply tie - up .