New Look chairman Phil Wrigley has stepped down from his executive duties and become non-executive chairman of the fashion retailer.

Chief executive Carl McPhail will remain in his role at the retailer.

Wrigley said: “”It is a sign of the great strength of the business and the management team that I have been able to make this move. Since his appointment as chief executive in April 2008, Carl has led the business well and put together a team that has enabled New Look to prosper and gain market share, despite the challenging economic conditions.

“Following the recent developments at the group, including a strong January trading update, the announcement of the relocation of our head office to London and the appointment of Lex Gemas as chief operating officer, I believe the time is right for me to step back to a non-executive role. New Look remains well placed for future growth in the UK and overseas.”

McPhail said: “I am delighted that we still have Phil available as non-executive chairman. He has played a major role in the development of New Look over the last seven years.

“This move will also allow him to continue to focus on wider retail industry issues such as monthly rents and service charges where he has made some significant progress to the benefit of all retailers.”