Laura Ashley’s chief executive and executive director Kwan Cheong Ng will retire in April.

Ng will remain on the fashion and lifestyle brand’s board as a non-executive director.

Laura Ashley’s chief operating officer Katharine Poulter will succeed Ng as chief executive – with effect on May 1.

Poulter will also be appointed as executive director to the brand. The retail veteran has 25 years experience working for retailers such as Kingfisher, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Wilko.

In a statement, the board thanked Ng for his contribution to Laura Ashley and wished him “the very best in his retirement”.