Space NK founder Nicky Kinnaird has joined the Debenhams board as a non-executive director.

Kinnaird, who sold Space NK in 2014, joins the board today.

Debenhams has increased its focus on beauty in the last year, and has said tha it wants the category to account for 20% of its total sales.

Debenhams chairman Sir Ian Cheshire said: “We are very pleased that Nicky is joining the board. She brings a wealth of experience and understanding in brand development and the global beauty industry.

[Nicky Kinnaird] brings a wealth of experience and understanding in brand development and the global beauty industry

Debenhams chairman Sir Ian Cheshire‎

“Her knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as Debenhams embarks on the next stage of its development under new leadership.”

Cheshire, who joined Debenhams as chairman at the beginning of this year from his role as Kingfisher chief executive, has been assembling a new management team following the resignation of former boss Michael Sharp.

Amazon Europe fashion boss Sergio Bucher joined the department store as chief executive last month.