Fortnum & Mason has appointed Selfridges director Ewan Venters as chief executive, replacing Beverley Aspinall who left the business in April.

Venters, who was executive director for food, restaurants and online at the luxury department store, will take up his new role in August.

Aspinall resigned in April “to pursue other challenges”. She had been in the role for seven years.

Venters said: “The wealth of knowledge I have gained over 20 years in the food, restaurant and luxury retailing industries will be put to good use in developing Fortnum & Mason’s multi-channel retailing ambitions.”

Kate Hobhouse, chairman of Fortnum & Mason, said: “Ewan’s passion, expertise and fresh thinking will help take Fortnum & Mason into the next stage of growth. Our team are looking forward to working with him.”

The new hire follows the appointment of Tim Fisher as retail director in May. He was previously at Marks & Spencer.