McColl’s chairman John Coleman has stepped down from his role with immediate effect “to focus on new opportunities”, the retailer has revealed.

The convenience specialist added that the search for Coleman’s replacement is in progress.

Independent non-executive director Sharon Brown has been appointed as interim chairman while the retailer hunts for Coleman’s successor. He was appointed as a non-executive director in February 2014 and served as chairman from July 2014.

The departure of the ex-House of Fraser boss came months after he was named chairman of Bonmarché, where he already served as an independent non-executive director and chairman of its remuneration committee.

As well as his 10-year reign as chief executive at House of Fraser, Coleman held managing director roles at Dorothy Perkins, Topman and Topshop.

He is currently chairman at AGA Rangemaster and Barchester Healthcare and was a senior non-executive director of Travis Perkins until 2014.

Investing in convenience

McColl’s chief executive James Lancaster said: “I would like to thank John for all his hard work and everything he has done for McColl’s.

“John has overseen a period where McColl’s has built strong foundations as a listed company and has made solid progress on the strategic objectives set out at listing.

“We continue to build our position as a leading neighbourhood retailer, investing in convenience conversions and acquiring new stores, allowing us to take advantage of the market in which we operate. We wish John the very best of luck in the future.”