Embattled fashion retailer French Connection has recruited new group finance director Adam Castleton from telecommunications firm O2.

Castleton, who was finance director of O2’s business division and previously acting chief financial officer of O2 UK, takes over from Roy Naismith, who departed last month.

Castleton has over 25 years’ financial experience including roles at eBay, Polo Ralph Lauren (Europe) and The Walt Disney Company.

French Connection is mid-turnaround. It fell to a pre-tax loss of £7.2m in its year to January 31, 2013, from a £4.6m profit the previous year.

French Connection chairman and chief executive Stephen Marks said: “I am delighted that Adam is joining us. He has extensive and invaluable experience of working in senior roles at market-leading consumer businesses. French Connection is going through a period of positive change, and Adam brings the skills we need to take the business through this period.”

Castleton said: “French Connection is at an exciting and important stage in its development and I look forward to working with the board and contributing to the future success of the business.”

Castleton joins on August 12.