New Look’s Alistair McGeorge has moved to non-executive chairman as chief executive Anders Kristiansen assumes full leadership of the retailer.

McGeorge has been executive chairman since joining New Look two and a half years ago. He has been handing over leadership duties to Kristiansen, who joined the fashion retailer from his role leading Jack & Jones owner Bestseller’s Chinese business in January.

McGeorge said: “Since joining New Look, two and a half years ago, I’ve been working towards re-shaping New Look’s strategy and trading model, and improving the financial performance of the business. We have already made substantial progress against these objectives and under the leadership of Anders I am confident that New Look will continue to thrive as it moves forward to becoming the successful International brand that it deserves to be.”

Kristiansen said the handover with McGeorge had been “seamless”.

He said: “The business is now back in good health and on behalf of the board I would like to thank Alistair for the fantastic job that he has done since joining New Look. I’m truly excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to the continued support of such an experienced chairman.”