Fortnum & Mason has hired a new retail director as it continues its search for a new chief executive.

The luxury department store has appointed Tim Fisher as its retail director, says The Independent.

He previously worked at Marks & Spencer  and began his new role last month.

Fortnum and Mason generated £1.1m profit last year. It is believed to be close to appointing a new chief executive after Beverley Aspinall revealed her departure in April.

Aspinall was recruited in 2005 from John Lewis’ Sloane Square store in London, Peter Jones, where she was managing director.