Clinton Cards group finance director Paul Salador has stepped down after 15 years at the business.

Salador has resigned with immediate effect and will be replaced on an interim basis by Martin Clifford-King, who joins the business next month.

Clintons did not give a reason for Salador’s departure. He has been with the retailer since 1996 and has been group finance director for the last two years.

Clintons said: “The Board thanks Mr Salador for his valuable contribution to the Company, in particular his role in ensuring the recent successful renegotiation of the Company’s banking facilities.”

Clintons has suffered in the tough trading conditions, reporting a like-for-likes fall of 2.4% in the 16 weeks to November 20.

Former Starbucks boss Darcy Willson-Rymer was drafted in as Clintons new chief executive in October, to help lead a turn around of the chain.