Former Jessops chairman David Adams has taken the role of acting executive chairman at specialist sportswear retailer Musto.

Adams’ appointment follows the decision by Nigel Musto, son of the sailing brand’s founder, to take a step back from his role of chief executive.

Musto will stay on at the retailer and is leading special projects for the business. Adams is running the business on an interim basis before an expected handover of responsibilities to new chief operating officer Peter Smith and chief financial officer David Cook. Adams plans to then step back to his former position of chairman.

Musto, of which Zara Phillips is brand ambassador, made a £89,000 loss in 2011 against £32.3m sales. It is thought to have performed better since.