Asos has poached Paperchase global IT chief Gary Mudie to bolster its growing web site, as it revealed a sharp rise in full-year sales.

Mudie joined last week after two years at Paperchase and takes the same role at Asos. Chief executive Nick Robertson said: “Gary will ensure our infrastructure and back office retail systems keep pace with the constantly evolving customer-facing side of Asos.”

This month, Asos will launch a new-look web site with clearer images and navigation, following the overhaul of its brand image.

For the year to March 31, Asos’ sales soared 90 per cent to£81 million. The e-tailer said that pre-tax profits are expected to be “slightly ahead” of market expectations. Despite the consumer downturn, Asos’s sales jumped 80 per cent in the four weeks to April 27.

Robertson said: “People choose to shop on the internet for value, choice and convenience – that is nothing to do with the economy.”

The e-tailer continues to ramp up its online offer and will launch maternitywear in August, as well as increase its number of independent designers to 60. It will also double its petites range this month and start selling clothes up to size 20 next month.

Asos is launching a digital version of its magazine later this month and customers will eventually be able to click on images in the digital version to add them to their shopping baskets.