Uniqlo merchandising boss Liz Meltzer has been poached by fashion giant Gap to oversee its internationally merchandising.

Meltzer joins as senior vice president of Gap’s international merchandising, looking after Asia and Europe, including the UK.

She has worked in retail for over 20 years. Prior to her role at Japanese fast fashion retailer Uniqlo, where she was in charge of merchandising for the US and Europe, she worked at J Crew and Calvin Klein.

Gap’s international division president Stephen Sunnucks said: “Liz offers a rare mix of experience with both an understanding of our deeply iconic American brand and expertise in global markets, having worked hands-on with marquee brands in Asia and Europe.”

The retailer has also hired Nike clothing boss Jill Stanton as creative advisor for its Old Navy brand. Stanton started her career at Marks & Spencer and Next.

The appointments are part of Gap’s move to bring more creative talent to its business and follows the return of former J Crew retail boss Tracy Gardner, who worked at the Gap from 2001 to 2004, to the business to advise on its struggling womenswear offer.