Topman has hired Christopher Englinde, who was previously New Look menswear boss, as brand director.

He will join the Arcadia brand on Monday and will report to chief executive Paul Price.

Englinde joins Topman at a time of intense change for the retailer as it grapples with competition from the etailers, a slowdown in consumer spending and massive structural changes affecting the whole industry.

The retailer revealed that it was set to axe hundreds of Topshop/Topman store roles in a cost-cutting exercise.

Price, who also leads Topshop, was brought in to replace Topshop managing director Mary Homer and Topman managing director Philip Cooke, who both departed Arcadia last year.

Topshop and Topman are the only Arcadia brands to be run by a chief executive rather than a managing director and Price’s appointment was seen by many observers as the first step from owner Sir Philip Green in splitting up his empire.

Englinde spent nearly two years at New Look, prior to which he spent a decade leading men’s fashion at H&M.