Hobbs has appointed former Principles retail trading director Alana Mazza as retail director of the upmarket fashion brand.

Mazza will be responsible for Hobbs’ 125 stores nationwide, charged with delivering the retailer’s growth strategy, which will include the opening of a new flagship store in Covent Garden this autumn.

Mazza’s appointment will allow business development director Mike Spearing to continue to develop Hobbs Direct’s sales channels.

Hobbs recently unveiled its contemporary range NW3 for autumn/winter and is set to trial a standalone concept under the range’s name.

Earlier in the year, the upmarket retailer notched up full-year pre-tax profits of £18.8m, down from £21.3m the year before. In the year to January 31, sales rose 3.6 per cent to £101.6m