House of Fraser chairman and Baugur board member Don McCarthy has been appointed non-executive chairman of Aurum, the parent company of Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb and Watches of Switzerland.

McCarthy is also a non-executive director of menswear group Moss Bros, which is the subject of a potential£40 million takeover bid by Baugur.

He also sits on the board of Baugur-owned Danish department stores Magasin du Nord and Ilum.

McCarthy founded Shoe Studio Group in 1991, leading the management buy-out of the company in 2001. In 2005 the group acquired Rubicon Retail and it is now part of Mosaic Fashions.

Aurum chief executive Justin Stead said: “Don is a well-known figure in the retail industry and his experience and expertise is an invaluable asset to the Group and we look forward to working with him.”

McCarthy said: “It is an honour to have been appointed non-executive chairman of Aurum, which combines three unique and prestigious jewellery brands. I am delighted to be a part of such a strong management team and well-established group and am looking forward to being part of its continued growth and development."