International News - 'Big hitter' joins Ilva to prepare for arrival in UK

Danish furniture retailer Ilva has recruited a new commercial director, Kaja Moller, to strengthen merchandising and buying ahead of a push into Sweden and the UK.

Moller, former commercial director at department store business Magasin du Nord, will report to executive chairman Martin Toogood.

The former B&Q boss said that Moller was a 'big hitter' with European and global experience, which would help Ilva fulfil its international ambitions.

Toogood hopes to take Ilva, Denmark's second biggest furniture retailer after Ikea, abroad in 2004. He said there was a lot of activity in the UK, but the lengthy planning process meant no sites were confirmed. Toogood added that he also sees scope for a 25-store British chain.