Fashion retailer River Island has hired a new head of menswear in a bid to expand its proposition and increase market share.

Adrian Arbuthnot, who was formerly River Island senior menswear designer from 2001 to 2006, returns to the retailer from Indian fashion etailer Koovs, where he served as menswear design manager.

Arbuthnot replaces Sarah Turton, who left the business last year.

Between his stints at River Island and Koovs, Arbuthnot held positions at Burton, Debenhams, House of Fraser and Next. At River Island he will lead a team including menswear design managers Matthew Braun and Sarah Greig.

Arbuthnot said: “I look forward to spearheading the continued advancement of our menswear relaunch strategy. Menswear is a huge focus area for River Island across the board.

“We’ll be refining our core product offering and exploring new creative territory to get the best possible balance of trend-led and staple menswear.”