Former Dixons chief executive John Clare will take over as chairman of electricals retailer Comet following completion of its sale to private investor OpCapita next week.

Clare was known to be involved with OpCapita’s bid for Comet, which it is buying for £2, and there had been speculation that he would be named chairman once the deal was done.

Although Clare has a reputation as a hands-on leader, it is understood that Comet boss Bob Darke and his team will remain in charge of the day-to-day running of the retailer.

Chris Pavlosky is also joining Comet, possibly on an interim basis, as head of services. Pavlosky is a former chief executive of big-ticket retailer Homeform and ex-chief operating officer of MFI.

Comet suffered over Christmas, when its like-for-likes slumped 14.5% and net debt was expected to spiral to between £10m and £15m above the agreed threshold.

Industry observers expect Dixons to continue to continue to pile pressure on its weaker rival as UK electricals retail consolidates following the exit of Best Buy.