Mothercare non-executive chairman Alan Parker is to take on the chairmanship at French electricals giant Kesa.

Parker, who is currently senior independent director of the electricals firm which until last year owned Comet, will replace current incumbent David Newlands on September 13.

Parker, who took on the role of executive chairman at troubled Mothercare when chief executive Ben Gordon departed last October, returned to non-executive when new boss Simon Calver joined the maternity retailer in late April.

Kesa Electricals chairman David Newlands said: “After nine years as chairman since the demerger from Kingfisher, I feel the time is right to step down and hand over to a new chairman who will help steer Kesa forward.  I am very pleased that Alan will be taking on the role and wish him, the board and the management team every success in the future.”

Parker said: “I look forward to working with the management team in these challenging times to improve performance and deliver increased shareholder value.”