Waterstones operations director Steve Clark has departed the book seller.

Managing director of the chain James Daunt will take on Clark’s responsibilities with immediate effect as acting operations director.

Clark, who has been with Waterstones for over three years, took on the role of operations director last June following the departure of Roger Childs. Clark is said to have left the retailer to “pursue other opportunities.”

He was previously regional controller of The Body Shop and head of procurement at Marks & Spencer.

Daunt has been in charge of Waterstones since Russian billionaire Alexander Mamut acquired the chain from HMV last May for £43m.