Meet our team
The Refined Capital Partners team has a wealth of operational experience in building brands that stand the test of time.
-
Ben Barnett
FOUNDING PARTNER
Following an early career in Investment Banking and Private Equity, Ben Barnett joined the Board of womenswear retailer Phase Eight in 2009, driving its expansion into international markets, as well as developing the brand’s DTC and global online marketplace strategy. On the back of a strong growth trajectory, Ben led the business as CEO through the £238 million exit to South African listed retailer TFG in 2015. Having completed the brand integration, Mr. Barnett led the transformational acquisitions of the premium womenswear brands Whistles and Hobbs to create the TFG London portfolio, stepping back in 2021.
Ben chairs the Boards of Refined Brands, OneStock and Refined Networks.
-
Anastasia Fadeeva
FOUNDING PARTNER
Anastasia started her career in investment banking, spending eight years with J.P. Morgan and Greenhill & Co with a focus on M&A and debt restructuring, followed by a period of consulting to start-ups in the FinTech and RetailTech sectors. In 2014, Anastasia joined Phase Eight, taking responsibility for commercial and corporate finance and spearheaded the establishment and growth of TFG Brands London, completing the acquisitions of Whistles, Damsel in a Dress and Hobbs, and building their post-acquisition business plans. Following the Hobbs transaction in 2017, she became its Finance Director, working with the team to deliver strong growth in sales and profitability. Following the integration of the brand into TFG Brands London, Anastasia took on the Group Operations Director role, with responsibilities extended to include the Group’s property function and the development of Group strategy. In 2022, she stepped back from TFG London to focus on the creation of Refined Capital Partners.
Anastasia currently holds Board roles at Refined Brands, Refined Networks and Disturbia.
-
Tessa Hardy
LEGAL DIRECTOR
Tessa Hardy has over a decade of experience advising corporates on the complexities of the modern legal landscape. Having trained and qualified at top City law firm Ashurst LLP, Tessa then moved to boutique London practice Hamlins LLP before leaving private practice for TFG London as one of their first in-house legal counsel. Whilst at TFG, she advised on the acquisitions of premium womenswear brands including Hobbs, as well as a wide range of commercial, technology and real estate matters. She also led on supply chain and logistics from a legal side, working closely with the CSR and sustainability teams.
Since joining RCP and Refined Networks as Legal Director, Tessa has focussed on embedding solid partnerships with strong commercial legal advice.
-
Ian Wallis
OPERATING PARTNER
Ian has extensive experience in international business development, previously holding senior positions at Phase Eight, Aurora Fashions, Levi’s, Gap and Arcadia Group. In 2021, with the support of the Refined Capital Partners team, Ian co-founded Refined Networks and has since led its rapid development into the leading software and services platform enabling and accelerating global marketplace commerce. Ian brings significant cross-border expertise to Refined Capital Partners, as well as an extensive global network to support our partner brands in rapidly scaling their marketplace, DTC and wholesale business across the USA and EMEA.
-
Sune Bjerregaard
OPERATING PARTNER
Sune has significant experience in international retail, with roles across the Nordic region culminating in his position as CEO of Danish womenswear brand Masai from 2012–2020. As CEO, Sune led its rapid international expansion into the USA, doubled global revenue, and steered a management buyout to Silverfleet Capital. Sune co-founded Refined Networks in 2021, driving its international business development team and expanding the company's portfolio to include major global names including Mango and Benetton Group. He is also Chairman of the Board for Rabens Saloner. Sune brings significant expertise to Refined Capital Partners, leveraging a well-established cross-border network to help our partner brands accelerate their global growth.
-
Louise Roche
OPERATING PARTNER
Louise built her career leading brand strategy and multichannel expansion in senior positions at leading womenswear brands including Karen Millen and Phase Eight. With decades of experience in merchandising, trading and commercial roles, Louise is able to leverage her trading and product expertise as well as deep knowledge of global trading partners and platforms, to guide brands in delivering robust, scalable market strategies, while minimising complexity.
-
Tom Wakeford
OPERATING PARTNER
Tom has spent over 20 years leading digital, product and technology transformation and strategy for international fashion and retail businesses, including The White Company, FitFlop and Jigsaw, before joining Refined Networks as Chief Product & Technology Officer. With a background spanning delivery, platform architecture, transformation and senior leadership, Tom has deep expertise in building scalable platforms that support multi-channel commerce and international expansion. Working closely with executive teams, Tom is able to shape technology strategies aligned to commercial growth and customer experience, supporting businesses through significant change, including transitions to D2C models, platform modernisation and data driven decision-making.
-
Amanda Preston
HEAD OF PR & MARKETING
Amanda Preston has a diverse background in PR and marketing, having held roles across the publishing, non-profit, e-commerce, media, technology and retail sectors in New Zealand and the UK. In her early career, Amanda managed market communications for the global merger of Penguin Random House and built a huge, highly-engaged online audience of supporters for the RSPCA, before joining New Zealand Media & Entertainment. There, she was promoted to a senior role at the online deal marketplace GrabOne and played a key role in the launch of three new digital brands. Amanda relocated to the UK in 2019 and led a rebrand of retail technology company Red Ant, which is now a key vendor in the luxury retail market.
Amanda leads PR and marketing for RCP, Refined Networks and All Good Things.