Liberty, the iconic department store, has appointed Edwin Burstell as buying director.

Burstell will be responsible for buying across the London flagship store as well as the online store Liberty.co.uk.

He joins in early December from US luxury retailer Bergdorf Goodman, where he was senior vice president in charge of the buying and merchandise of all non-apparel.

He has also held managerial positions at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Henri Bendel.

Geoffroy de La Bourdonnaye, chief executive of Liberty, said: “I am proud to welcome Ed to the Liberty team. His arrival coincides with the major revitalisation of the store due to take place in the first half of 2009. Ed's priceless experience in some of the world's most respected luxury emporia will help us achieve our vision of Liberty as the most loved and avant-garde British luxury brand."