Card Factory has announced new chief financial officer Kristian Lee, who held the same role at Edinburgh Woollen Mill for the past five years.

The specialist retailer snapped up Lee to succeed current finance boss Darren Bryant, who announced that his retirement after eight years in the role in January.

Lee’s appointment at the retailer will take effect once his departure from Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which includes a 12-month notice period, has been finalised.

Prior to working at Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Lee held senior financial and commercial roles at retailers including Brighthouse, Allsports and John David Group, now known as JD Sports.

‘Entrepreneurial mindset’

Card Factory chief executive Karen Hubbard said: “Kris has significant financial and commercial experience within retail and a clear passion for the sector.

“He also has the energy, drive and entrepreneurial mindset that will fit well with the Card Factory culture and will be invaluable as we move forward with our growth strategy.”

Lee added: “Card Factory has a fantastic track record of growth and is a business I have admired greatly for a number of years.

“I am very excited to be joining and look forward to working with Karen, the board and all Card Factory colleagues.”